Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The NAU Astronomy REU Program offers undergraduate students a paid opportunity to engage in research at Northern Arizona University during the summer months. Participants receive a $7000 stipend, potential travel reimbursement, and housing accommodations. The program includes seminars and hands-on experience with local telescopes, fostering skills in astronomy and planetary science. Applications are competitive and targeted at students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled in a degree program.

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.

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation works closely with local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, government, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant region. Informed by three decades of partnering with and serving our community, we have awarded more than $420 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

General Operating Support Grants

General Operating seeks to support highly effective organizations that are critical to the achievement of one or more of our key result areas, center systems-change work that addresses the root causes of inequity, and have a proven track record of effectiveness and impact. Reporting will focus on the organization’s overall impact and effectiveness. We recommend that organizations previously funded by the Foundation apply for general operating support. Only those organizations that are highly aligned with FCCF’s systems-change priority should apply for general operating support. The grant sizes will range up to $50,000.

We will offer two pools of applicants, both providing General Operating Support (GOS) funding. Both are open to organizations that have previously received funding from FCCF.

• Pool 1: Strategic Partner Grants (This is an invitation-only process);
• Pool 2: Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants

This funding pool is intended to provide more flexible support through a streamlined process.

Key features:

• No Letter of Intent (LOI) required
• Grant awards of up to $10,000–$15,000

The State Cultural Facilities Grant Program (SCFG) supports the preservation and improvement of cultural properties in Rhode Island. This matching grant program enhances public and nonprofit artistic centers, museums, and historic sites, fostering community engagement and economic growth. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts oversees the program, providing vital funding and technical assistance to ensure the arts thrive, benefiting both local communities and the state's cultural landscape.

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 Harry Kizirian Award, administered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, incorporated in Rhode Island, and operational for at least two years. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with a maximum of $20,000 per application. The Trust prioritizes social welfare initiatives in housing, health, and education, ensuring a direct impact within the state.

The GA Research Awards, established by the Geologists' Association since 1858, aim to promote geological study among all members with at least one year's standing, supporting research in earth sciences. Grants, typically up to £600, can fund fieldwork, museum visits, and laboratory consumables. Non-members may also apply for limited funding for fieldwork. The initiative fosters inclusivity and awareness of geological heritage, encouraging both seasoned researchers and newcomers to explore the natural world.

The Cultural Development Grants Program supports Miami-Dade County's mid-sized arts organizations by providing operating grants and technical assistance. It aims to enhance the cultural landscape by empowering artistically diverse entities in visual, performing, and literary arts. This initiative encourages organizations to achieve greater visibility through strategic partnerships and year-round artistic presentations, fostering the region's cultural identity and promoting artistic excellence.

The Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program in Vermont supports local municipalities in their planning and revitalization efforts. Administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, it offers funding between $2,500 and $45,000, depending on the applicant type. Since its inception in 1998, the MPG has allocated over $15 million to enhance community growth and development, thereby improving the quality of life across the state.

The Developing Arts in Neighborhoods (DAN) Grants Program supports small cultural groups in Miami-Dade County with budgets under $100,000. This initiative provides funding and technical assistance for year-round arts programs, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. Applications are encouraged from organizations that build community support for the arts, integrate arts into daily life, and preserve cultural heritage. A pre-grant consultation with the program administrator is mandatory before submitting an application.

The OSCT: Edward Ricci Award, offered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders. Grantees must be incorporated in Rhode Island, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate social welfare initiatives in areas like housing and education. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with deadlines on February 1 and August 1 each year, promoting a structured approach to funding community-focused programs.

The SDAC Arts Opportunity Grant supports organizations in presenting unique arts activities that arise unexpectedly within the grant year. This interim grant assists those unable to meet regular deadlines, funding one-time events outside of the organization's usual activities. Applicants must demonstrate a dollar-for-dollar match and provide a detailed project description, emphasizing community impact and support needs. This grant is primarily for non-current SDAC grant recipients, ensuring diverse opportunities for artistic engagement.

About the State Library

Mission:

The State Library of Iowa strengthens Iowa library services and information access for Iowans.

Enrich Iowa

About Enrich Iowa

The State Library annually administers funding appropriated by the Iowa Legislature to libraries in Iowa. Enrich Iowa consists of three programs to aid libraries in offering improved service to Iowans:

More About Direct State Aid

Direct State Aid funding is distributed to participating public libraries through a formula that calculates:

• A base amount dependent on Tier Level met, as set by the Accreditation & Standards program.
• The per capita amount based on the population of the city and level of compliance with quality measures.
• Three percent of the amount of funding received by the library in the previous fiscal year for service to rural residents and contracting communities.

St. David's Foundation offers sponsorships to support community-driven events and projects that address health equity in Central Texas. Non-profit organizations in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with the Foundation's vision and mission. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that engage the community, raise awareness of pressing health issues, and demonstrate trust within the communities they serve.

The Hannibal Cox, Jr. Cultural Grants Program offers funding and technical assistance to mid-sized arts, scientific, and historical organizations in Miami-Dade County. Eligible applicants must have a minimum three-year track record of professional programming and an annual budget between $100,000 and $250,000. This initiative aims to support organizations that present a full season of cultural activities, enhancing the vibrant arts community in the area.

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque offers the Grants for Tech program, partnering with the University of Dubuque to assist small nonprofits in the area. Organizations without IT staff can apply for technology assessments and improvements, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. This initiative aims to enhance nonprofits' effectiveness and sustainability by providing essential technological support.

The Capital Development (CAP) Grants Program offers financial support to non-profit cultural organizations for capital improvement projects in Miami-Dade County. This initiative aims to enhance cultural facilities, ensuring they are ADA accessible and serve the community effectively. Applicants must demonstrate readiness and secure matching funds. Priority is given to projects that improve accessibility and public service, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape for all residents.

The ACS Award in Pure Chemistry recognizes early career researchers for their outstanding contributions to fundamental research in pure chemistry. Established in 1931, the award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. Nominees must have less than 10 years of experience since their terminal degree and demonstrate exceptional research merit. Special consideration is given to originality and independence of thought in submitted research.

The LDRCT General Operating Support Grant, offered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, aims to provide essential funding for nonprofit arts organizations in Louisiana. These grants support operational expenses, such as salaries and facilities, over a two-year period. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to artistic disciplines and community engagement. The program encourages diversity and inclusion, fostering the growth of the arts sector while preserving Louisiana's unique cultural heritage.

The NJDEP: It Pay$ to Plug In Grant offers financial support for the acquisition and upkeep of electric vehicle charging stations. Aimed at expanding New Jersey's electric vehicle infrastructure, this initiative encourages residents, businesses, and government entities to transition to electric vehicles, which significantly lower emissions and enhance air quality. In honor of Earth Day, approximately $7.6 million will be allocated for fast chargers, utilizing VW settlement funds and additional financial resources.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research focused on understanding treatment resistance in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $10,000 for one year, eligible candidates include medical students, residents, and faculty at the associate professor level or below who are AHNS members in good standing. Projects must demonstrate a translational focus and collaboration across disciplines, aiming to yield actionable insights within the award period.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Budding Botanist Grant, offered by the Klorane Botanical Foundation, aims to educate students about environmental sustainability and biodiversity through school garden programs. In 2023, grants of $1000 will be awarded to twenty schools across the U.S., prioritizing those with a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This initiative encourages young learners to explore and care for their local ecosystems.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works every day to ensure Pennsylvania is a premier state to do business, where we adopt and innovate the next generation of breakthroughs in a diverse mix of industry clusters, where we cultivate a resilient economy, and where we invest in our people and our communities to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for all the residents, workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs that call our Commonwealth home.

Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide

The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71), as amended, provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The City of San Diego offers several funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations each year through an annual process consisting of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP).

Arts, Culture & Community Festivals (ACCF)

Through discretionary Arts, Culture, and Community Festivals (ACCF) funds derived from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds, City Council Offices can award nonprofit organizations funding to promote local arts and culture.

Funds awarded to organizations are awarded at the discretion of each Council Office. ACCF funding may be awarded as a supplemental allocation for nonprofits that have already received an OSP or CCSD award from the Cultural Affairs Department for FY27. Funding may also be awarded to nonprofits for a new project that has not previously received OSP or CCSD support. ACCF funding is solely reimbursement‑based.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers the Julian Haden Gary and Margaret Savage Gary Fund to support organizations promoting horticulture education in southeastern Virginia. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving South Hampton Roads, with a preference for the Fred Heutte Center, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Virginia Zoo. Organizations that have received funding within the past three years for the same type of grant are ineligible, along with several other specified categories.

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.