Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, aims to enrich the cultural landscape of metropolitan Baltimore. Established in 1964, the fund supports various arts and culture initiatives, focusing on organizational effectiveness and community engagement. Grants range from $1,500 to $45,000, prioritizing inclusive and innovative programming that fosters collaboration among cultural organizations, supports local artists, and enhances the community's sense of identity.

The Wheeler Charitable Trust Grant, established by Ruth A. Wheeler and Henry O. Wheeler in 1982, focuses on supporting education and various charitable causes primarily in California and Washington. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of July 1 for annual review in August. The Trust aims to uphold the values of generosity and resilience exemplified by its founders, funding areas such as arts, health, and human services.

Ability Central's Community Impact Grants in California aim to enhance communication and information access for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Focused on community-driven projects, these grants support initiatives that address critical access needs, promote meaningful inclusion, and leverage existing resources. By funding communication access programs and services, the grants help remove barriers, ensuring equitable participation in community life across the state, thereby fostering a more inclusive society.

The Estella Canziani Post-Graduate Bursary for Research, offered by The Folklore Society, supports research in Folklore Studies at UK universities. It covers expenses like materials and transport for field research but excludes tuition fees. Applicants must be registered in a PhD or equivalent program and may apply once per year. The bursary, valued up to £1,500, is available for one year and aims to promote the study and documentation of folklore globally.

The Rapoport Doctoral Dissertation Grants support PhD students conducting innovative research in American political behavior. Funded by the Rapoport Family Foundation, the grants offer up to $15,000 for survey research. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university and have completed all preliminary requirements. The foundation emphasizes originality and transformative potential in research proposals, aiming to foster diverse approaches to understanding political behavior.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program - Capacity Funding aims to enhance digital equity in Austin by providing matching funds to local organizations. This initiative supports projects that increase access to technology, improve digital skills, and expand internet usage among citizens. To be eligible, applicants must be tax-exempt organizations in Austin, comply with City purchasing requirements, and demonstrate alignment with program goals. This grant fosters a community where everyone can participate fully in the digital society.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program - Mini Funding supports Austin organizations in enhancing technology access, providing digital training, and improving internet connectivity for underserved communities. With individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and a total funding pool of $60,000, this initiative aims to foster digital equity and empower residents to fully engage in the digital society. Eligible applicants include incorporated, tax-exempt organizations in Austin with specific revenue limits.

Mission Statement

Benefiting organizations and individuals who positively impact their local communities.

Donation Request

The Duffy’s Foundation was created in memory of Paul Emmett, the owner and founder of Duffy’s Sports Grill. Today, we are committed to providing community enhancement in the neighborhoods surrounding all of our locations.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by Phillips 66, aims to enhance STEM education in middle and high schools. By offering a minimum of two PLTW Computer Science courses over two years, the initiative seeks to empower students with vital skills for future careers. With a total grant of $20,000, the program focuses on schools in various states, prioritizing those serving economically disadvantaged students to foster diversity and inclusion in the tech field.

About the Foundation

The Council of Michigan Foundations leads, strengthens and supports Michigan's community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping CMF members in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. 

Vision

A thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. 

Mission

We lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. The Grant

There are several grant opportunities available for CMF community foundation members through CMF’s Technology Grants: 

• Software Training: Support for software training of general ledger, donor or grants management systems
  • This option is limited to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum of $2,500 available per request. 
• Team-up Grants: This support could be used for group training or software development. 
  • Up to $5,000 in support is available for a group technology/software project that benefits at least three community foundations. 
• Transition Support: Support is available for key staff turnover or for a transition to a third-party accounting provider.
  • This support may be used to assist in the purchase, migration and or training costs related to these transitions. a maximum $5000 is available.
• Cybersecurity Audit: Support for community foundations with assets under $50 million is available to support the Digital Elevation Information Technology Security Assessment process.
  • Grant levels are as follows:
    • Assets of $1 - $10 million: $2,000
    • Assets over $10 - $25 million: $1,500
    • Assets over $25 - $50 million: $1,000

• Equipment Purchase: Support up to $2,500 for the purchase of equipment such as laptops, printers or other electronic devices (i.e. OWL cameras).
  • This option is limited to foundations with assets under $25 million and should be used for one-time purchases such as staff expansions or emergency replacements only.

The Iber Health Education Scholarship, a program of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports graduate students pursuing health-related studies. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, the foundation aids students in enhancing their educational opportunities. Applicants must be Portage County residents, demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Special consideration is given to those likely to return to the area post-graduation. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in healthcare.

The PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion grant from Phillips 66 aims to enhance access to quality education in STEM fields for middle and high school students. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Computer Science programs, particularly in high-need areas starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Grants of $10,000 are available, prioritizing institutions with significant economic need among students, ensuring future generations are equipped for success in technology and engineering careers.

AZ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Rural communities in Arizona are faced with the increasing challenge of balancing future growth while keeping existing housing stock, infrastructure and community facilities from declining. The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) is dedicated to helping rural communities face these challenges through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funding.

The CDBG program is a federally funded program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. CDBG provides grant opportunities for community revitalization to ensure decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity for rural Arizona.

ADOH Community Development and Revitalization (CD&R) division provides CDBG (State and Small Cities Program) funded grants to rural incorporated cities, towns and counties (excluding the counties of Maricopa and Pima and the cities and towns therein, unincorporated Pinal County, Tribal Reservation Land and the cities of Casa Grande, Douglas, Flagstaff, Prescott, Sierra Vista, and Yuma) who do not receive CDBG funds directly from HUD. Please visit our Eligible Grant Applicants section of the CDBG Application Handbook to see if your community is currently eligible for CDBG funding.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program is a federally-funded block grant that provides funds to eligible nonprofit community-based organizations or governmental entities that work to ameliorate the causes and conditions of poverty in disadvantaged and low-income communities across Pennsylvania.

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

Minneapolis Community Impact Fund

This is an unrestricted community grant fund for charitable projects that benefit the Minneapolis, KS community.

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

The California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Adoption Account encourages applications for projects enhancing broadband access in underserved communities. Eligible projects include digital literacy training and free broadband access in public spaces. Applications are accepted anytime, with deadlines on January 1 and July 1 until funds are exhausted. Preference is given to initiatives targeting low-income and senior citizen communities, promoting digital inclusion and overcoming socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption.

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 Digital Divide Grant Program aims to bridge the digital gap in low-income urban and rural areas by providing essential resources and access to technology. With an annual funding of $200,000, the program supports Community-Based Organizations with grants up to $50,000 for projects focused on digital literacy training, provision of take-home devices, and broadband access. This initiative is vital for fostering equitable opportunities in education and community engagement through technology.

The PhRMA Foundation's Translational Medicine Faculty Starter Grant supports early-career researchers at U.S. universities, providing $100,000 for one year. This grant emphasizes innovative research that translates laboratory findings into clinical applications, addressing unmet medical needs. Applicants must be within five years of independent status and collaborate with clinical partners. The program aims to foster a patient-centric approach in translational medicine, enhancing the development of new diagnostics and therapies for improved patient care.

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.

The Simons Foundation's Targeted Grants in Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) program invites applications for funding to support research projects. Grants can be awarded for up to five years, with flexible funding levels. Eligible applicants include established educational institutions and research centers, and funding can cover various expenses such as salaries, travel, and equipment. Notably, the program does not allow funding for U.S. national labs. For complete guidelines, refer to the Simons Foundation's website.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers the Intervention Best Practices (TIER) grant to support school systems, education service centers, and nonprofit organizations in developing evidence-based intervention strategies. This program aims to enhance the capacity of educational institutions to implement a comprehensive framework that integrates differentiated instruction, promoting academic, behavioral, and social success for all students throughout Texas.

Who We Are & What We Do

On November 26, 1997, a small group of citizens with an abundance of enthusiasm embarked on a mission to secure the quality of life in our region now and forever. By yearend, they had a modest $1,050. Through commitment and vision, the Quincy Area Community Foundation expanded and grew to become the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. 

Serving 12 counties on both sides of the Mississippi River, we operate as a bridge between our donors’ charitable visions and the nonprofit organizations that bring those visions to life. 

Carthage Community Improvement Fund

An anonymous donor stepped forward to establish a fund for Carthage.

“The fund is very general in scope, no restrictions on the type of Carthage-area benefit. The grants are not restricted to purely Carthage either and, in some cases, might go outside the boundaries of Carthage,” said the donor in a written statement to the Community Foundation.

This fund is a permanent endowment. Each year, a portion of the earnings from the fund is used to make grants and a portion is reinvested in the fund for continued growth, thus providing a permanent source of support for charitable causes in the community.

Grants Awarded

Grants will be awarded based on the recommendation of the donor advisor(s) with the approval of the Community Foundation board.

The Greater DuBois Area Community Endowment Fund Grant supports community development initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents in the DuBois area. With typical awards up to $5,000 and special considerations up to $10,000, this grant is available to 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, municipalities, and religious organizations. Projects should be innovative and sustainable, addressing specific community needs for lasting impact.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The ASPCA is offering grants to New York State animal welfare organizations to enhance compliance with the new shelter standards effective December 15, 2025. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for facility upgrades and operational changes necessary for licensing under Article 26-C. Grant funding can encompass various needs, from retrofitting housing to training staff in euthanasia protocols, ensuring improved animal care and welfare across the state.

The Eastern Bank Foundation's CITC Grants support community development organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation, focusing on addressing local needs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Committed to philanthropy, the foundation listens to community members to ensure donations are impactful. Eligible organizations must be registered and have received CITC credits, while private foundations are excluded from consideration. This initiative exemplifies the foundation's dedication to investing in the well-being of the communities it serves.