Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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 Sparkplug Foundation offers Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 exclusively for current and past grantees in education or community organizing. Funding is aimed at organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less, supporting innovative projects with limited existing funding sources. These one-time grants address urgent needs due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring accountability and inclusion, particularly within communities in the US and Palestine/Israel.

The ASB Student Research Award, offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, recognizes outstanding research by student members. To qualify, applicants must be graduate or undergraduate students, present their research at the annual meeting, and be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB meeting. This award fosters academic growth and provides valuable feedback opportunities, enhancing the STEM-Student Pipeline since 1937.

The NYSHF Special Projects Fund Grant offers one-time funding to support innovative health projects that address pressing community needs in New York. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that can enhance health outcomes for marginalized populations, while fostering systemic change. Competitive applications should demonstrate potential for replication and sustainability beyond the grant period. This fund represents a unique opportunity for organizations committed to improving public health through impactful projects.

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 Community Improvement Project Request for Proposal by the Junior League of the City of New York aims to partner with an organization to enhance community impact through capital improvements. This initiative provides skilled volunteers, funding between $5,000 and $70,000, and support for projects involving up to three interior rooms and one outdoor space in Manhattan, ensuring a collaborative approach to community development over the course of one year.

The Braslau Family Travel Grant supports degree-seeking students and early career physicists in the US to attend APS March or April Meetings. Established in 2016, it honors the Braslau brothers, both distinguished scientists. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, prioritize applicants lacking financial support, particularly underrepresented minorities and women. Funds are disbursed post-meeting, contingent on required documentation. This initiative fosters professional and academic interactions crucial for emerging physicists.

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.

The Ann Arbor Farm & Garden Grants, supported by the Women's National Farm and Garden Association, aim to promote local gardens and environmental stewardship through financial support for nonprofits in Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must align with the mission of AAF&G, provide volunteers for community events, and present their projects. This initiative fosters community engagement, educational opportunities, and enhances the beauty of local spaces, contributing to a strong network of environmental advocates.

The NYSS Student Support program, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial assistance to students attending physics symposia. Grants of approximately $150 help cover travel and accommodation expenses, encouraging attendance at both sessions and the symposium banquet. Applications are open to students from New York and nearby states, with a focus on fostering educational outreach and engagement in physics. Each application must be signed by the student and their Department Chair, ensuring a streamlined process.

The NWS Student Travel Award, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support of up to $400 for undergraduate students to attend the Annual Meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation among students, especially those without other funding sources, who are presenting research. Established in 1998, the Northwest Section of APS fosters collaboration among physicists in the Pacific Northwest, promoting educational and research opportunities within the community.

The Steven Weinberg Research Award, presented by the Texas Section of the American Physical Society, recognizes outstanding research in physics by graduate students. Nominees must have presented their research at a Texas APS meeting within the last two years. The award includes a plaque and $1000, emphasizing excellence and potential impact in the scientific community. Nominations can be made by advisors or qualified nominators, and the recipient is typically required to attend the award presentation at the Fall meeting.

The EGLS Doc Brown Young Investigator Award, presented by the American Physical Society, recognizes exceptional young faculty in physics. Awardees receive a cash prize and commendation at the annual spring meeting. Eligible nominees include PhD lecturers and tenure-track faculty who are APS members in the EGLS region and within six years of their appointment. Nomination requires endorsement from a tenured faculty member and attendance at the meeting where the award is presented.

The SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

The David A. Evans Award for the Advancement and Education of Organic Synthesis, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional achievements in organic synthesis research and education. Established in 2023, this award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $2,500 for the award ceremony. It promotes inclusivity, granting opportunities irrespective of race, gender, or background, fostering a diverse scientific community committed to advancing chemistry.

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 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program in Alaska aims to provide financial assistance to local communities for essential public facilities and planning activities that enhance health and safety. With a maximum grant of $850,000 per community, it supports initiatives that create jobs for low and moderate-income residents. In the 2024 cycle, approximately $2.5 million is available to eligible municipal governments, excluding Anchorage, and non-profits may partner as co-applicants.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program, established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, offers funding opportunities for local nonprofits focusing on arts and culture, disaster relief, and community resilience. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,500, the program supports initiatives that enhance public engagement in the arts, provide accessible programming, and foster historical appreciation. This program aims to nurture Mendocino County's unique cultural heritage and support diverse community needs.

Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program - Illinois

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy announces the availability of funds from the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund (“EE Trust Fund”). The EE Trust Fund was established by 20 ILCS 687/6-6 to benefit residential electric customers through projects reducing energy demand. Illinois EPA Office of Energy is responsible for establishing a list of projects eligible for grants from the EE Trust Fund and an application process with determined criteria for this grant program.

Illinois EPA Office of Energy is offering funding to public housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties or townships), or nonprofit organizations for implementation of energy efficiency improvements benefitting residents participating in federal, state, or local public housing programs, housing choice vouchers, rental assistance, or subsidized housing assistance programs. Funding will be awarded for projects of up to forty (40) dwelling units per location, with costs not to exceed $20,000 per dwelling unit. The proposed improvement projects must include upgrades identified in an energy efficiency assessment conducted by a third-party assessor within the last five (5) years.

Eligible projects may include:

• Building envelope insulation
• Window replacement
• Space heating and cooling equipment retrofit
• Heating and cooling distribution system retrofit
• Domestic hot water equipment
• Lighting upgrades (indoor and/or outdoor)
• High-Efficiency appliance replacement
• Programmable thermostats

Awards will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. There is a cost share/match requirement for this program.

New Hampshire Department of Energy

The Department of Energy is New Hampshire’s newest state agency. In the State Budget that went into effect July 1, 2021, the New Hampshire General Court and Governor Sununu created the Department of Energy.

The Department was designed to “…improve the administration of state government by providing unified direction of policies, programs, and personnel in the field of energy and utilities, making possible increased efficiency and economies from integrated administration and operation of the various energy and utility related functions of the state government.”

Low-Moderate Income Solar Grant Program

Executive Summary

Pursuant to RSA 362-F:10 X, the New Hampshire Department of Energy (Department) issues this Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals for community solar photovoltaic (PV) projects that will provide direct benefits to New Hampshire low, moderate, or low and moderate income (LMI) residential electric customers who reside within the same electric distribution utility service territory. Proposals must present a comprehensive plan that clearly demonstrates and quantifies the net direct benefits to participating LMI customers. Projects or portions of projects that have requested funds from the Department’s Non-residential Competitive Grant Program, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Renewable Energy Rebate Program, or Residential Renewable Electric Generation Incentive Program, are not eligible for funding under this solicitation. Projects or portions of projects that are designed to depend upon LMI EAP Community Solar designation are not eligible for funding under this solicitation. 

The Department is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, entities, or multiple entities for community solar projects that would provide direct benefits to LMI residential electric customers or to residents of a public housing authority or housing project. For the purposes of this RFP, a residential electric customer is a residential customer of an electric utility that receives electric bills in the customer’s name.

The Community Priorities Cycle of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities. This cycle invites eligible partners to apply for funding for projects that address diverse community needs. Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational impact, capacity, and the comprehensiveness of their plans. The foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that foster positive change in Charlevoix County.

The Digital Divide Grant Program, established under California's Public Utilities Code, aims to bridge the technology gap for low-income rural and urban schools. With an annual funding of $200,000, it supports projects that enhance digital literacy, provide take-home devices, and ensure broadband access. This initiative, transitioning from a pilot to a permanent program, focuses on delivering essential resources to underserved communities, fostering equitable access to technology and educational opportunities.

The IMPACT: Quality of Place - Special Events Grants, administered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, aim to enhance community engagement and economic growth in Erie County. Grants support public events that foster inclusivity and attract visitors, ultimately boosting local economies and improving the quality of life. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and municipalities based in Erie County, demonstrating the potential economic impact of their events.

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.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for clean energy projects aimed at modernizing the electric grid, enhancing community resilience, and promoting solar energy deployment. With approximately $32 million available, priority will be given to 'construction-ready' projects that engage vulnerable and overburdened communities. The funding amounts range from $50,000 to $2,500,000, and projects must be completed by June 2027.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

Program Description

The purpose of the State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant is to provide high-quality facilities support to Texas charter schools and support State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) grantees. The grant activities include providing technical assistance for charter school leaders on smart decision-making related to facilities and growth. This support aims to increase expertise in facilities planning, financing and operations. Grant activities also include supporting SFIG grantees through monitoring and evaluation to ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded.