Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Coastal Fund (CF) Grant provides vital funding to support projects that preserve and enhance coastal ecosystems at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Aimed at fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship, the grant encourages proposals that align with the Coastal Fund's mission. Eligible applicants include UCSB-affiliated departments and registered nonprofits, with funding typically around $200,000 allocated quarterly. This initiative is essential for advancing ecological research and restoration efforts in the Santa Barbara region.

The J. F. Maddox Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lea County, New Mexico, by supporting non-profit organizations and projects that align with its strategic plan. Key areas of focus include accessible social services, economic diversification, community aesthetics, education, and promoting a safe and healthy community. The Foundation encourages projects that leverage additional funding and foster collaboration among agencies, ensuring long-term benefits for the residents of Lea County.

The WY Community Forestry Grants support the development and enhancement of community forestry programs in Wyoming. Aimed at fostering partnerships among government, businesses, and volunteers, the program offers funding for tree planting, educational projects, and community forestry development. Eligible projects must involve volunteers and can include workshops, tree inventories, and maintenance plans. Funding is available through three grant categories, ensuring a collaborative approach to improving urban forests across the state.

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Formula Program Grants

Implement or continue a Formula AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first step an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Formula funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to AmeriCorps for funding determination.

Organizations proposing a new AmeriCorps State program or continuing a currently formula funded program that places AmeriCorps members and operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities

The Monitoring Grants by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) focus on improving watershed conditions through data collection and analysis. Eligible projects include monitoring trends in watershed health, evaluating restoration efforts, and conducting rapid bio-assessments. Applicants must be legal entities such as local governments or non-profits. This initiative aims to ensure informed decision-making for environmental management and restoration, fostering sustainable practices and habitat improvement.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.

Through the authority of state and federal statutes and guidelines, the MPCA focuses on preventing and reducing the pollution of air, land, and water, and leads Minnesota’s efforts to protect against the devastating effects of climate change. We work with regulated parties, businesses, governments, organizations, and 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota to develop innovative, community-centered approaches that protect our natural resources, improve human health, and foster strong economic growth.

Statewide Environmental Assistance Grants - Fiscal years 2026-2028

The MPCA is offering approximately $250,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations address two specific needs:

• reuse materials to reduce waste
• reduce toxic chemicals in hair products

This program's primary goals are to

• reduce waste generated in Minnesota,
• reduce greenhouse gases emitted by manufacturing new items, and
• eliminate toxic chemicals and metals from hair products to protect human health and the environment.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division

CPJAD serves as the central agency to provide the Attorney General, the chief law enforcement officer of Hawaii, with the information and resources needed to address crime and crime prevention. This enables the Attorney General to facilitate and coordinate efforts to improve the criminal justice system and to encourage community partnerships in addressing crime.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Formula Grant (JAG)

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Grants & Planning Branch, is the State Administering Agency (SAA) for JAG funds. JAG can be utilized for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, strategic planning, research and evaluation (including forensics), data collection, training, personnel, equipment, forensic laboratories, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice information systems that will improve and enhance the criminal justice system.

JAG Federal Program Areas And State Priority Areas

When applying for JAG funds, applicants must address one of the following Federal Program Areas and one of the following State Priority Areas.

Federal Program Areas 

• Law Enforcement Programs
• Prosecution and Court Programs
• Prevention and Education Programs
• Corrections and Community Corrections Programs
• Drug Treatment and Enforcement Programs
• Planning, Evaluation, and Technology Improvement Programs
• Mental Health Programs and Related Law Enforcement and Corrections Programs, Including Behavioral Programs and Crisis Intervention Teams
• Implementation of State Crisis Intervention Court Proceedings and Related Programs or Initiatives

State Priority Areas

• Decrease the impact of drug crime in Hawaii
• Decrease the barriers to community integration (including prevention and reentry efforts)
• Support capacity building and coordination efforts in Hawaii’s Criminal Justice System
• Support responses to address urgent/emergent criminal justice issues

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers Resilient Florida Implementation Grants to support local governments and special districts in infrastructure projects addressing risks from vulnerability assessments. This funding aims to enhance the protection and restoration of Florida's water resources, especially against flooding and storm surge. Eligible entities include counties, municipalities, and water management authorities. Proposals submitted will be public records, with no guarantee of funding upon submission.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.

Through the authority of state and federal statutes and guidelines, the MPCA focuses on preventing and reducing the pollution of air, land, and water, and leads Minnesota’s efforts to protect against the devastating effects of climate change. We work with regulated parties, businesses, governments, organizations, and 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota to develop innovative, community-centered approaches that protect our natural resources, improve human health, and foster strong economic growth.

Statewide recycling market development grants

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting grant applications for projects that will build lasting capacity to support recycling markets in Minnesota. The grant money must help Minnesota businesses and other entities to use recyclable material in their products, thereby increasing local demand for recyclable material. Grant money also can be used to process recyclable material into a higher value material for use in new products.

Recycling is a cost-effective way to handle waste, and it has social, economic, and environmental benefits. We need recycling markets to help create and maintain demand for recyclables. Without these end markets that use or process a recyclable material, we do not have recycling. 

Available funds

Approximately $800,000 is available. The minimum individual grant amount should be no less than $50,000. The maximum individual grant amount is $300,000. Grantees will be required to provide a 20% match of the grant award (cash or in-kind).

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Step-Up Grants

Step-up Grants assist organizations with the administrative and legal fees needed to secure 501(c)(3) status, along with the costs associated with completing a consultant-facilitated organizational assessment and resulting plan(s). 

A $500 match is required, cash or in-kind. Award disbursed at contract signing.

The Shredder’s Studio Art Scholarship is designed to assist Nantucket High School graduates pursuing degrees in fine arts or art therapy. This fund aims to cover college tuition costs, ensuring students have the support they need to excel in various artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. By investing in the artistic development of local talent, the scholarship fosters creativity and innovation within the community.

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee Grants Program provides funding for community-driven tree planting and educational projects on public lands throughout Maryland. Aimed at enhancing urban forests, the program prioritizes projects that engage organizations rather than individuals, and encourages initiatives that raise public awareness about the benefits of trees. Projects with matching funds are given preference, supporting the overall quality and quantity of the urban tree canopy.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Professional Development Grants

Professional Development Grants support the hiring of permanent staff to advance organizations to a higher and sustainable level of professionalism, fiscal and administrative stability, and community outreach that in the future they will be able to sustain on their own. Professional Development Grants may be used to support:

• First Staff Hire: hiring the organization’s first permanent employee, full- or part-time.
• Additional Staff: hiring an additional full- or part-time permanent staff member to fill a critical administrative, outreach or development need, or other key function. Park and Trail Partnership Grants 5
• Upgrade to Full-time Staff: increasing a part-time Executive Director, or other key staff position to full time.
• Shared Staff: hiring a staff person to be shared by two or more eligible organizations.

Professional Development Grants are meant to support permanent increases in staffing capacity. If an organization is interested in hiring temporary contractors or staff to support the organization’s work, this request would fall under a Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grant or a Stewardship and Public Access Capacity grant.

A 20 percent cash match of the total project budget is required. Fifty percent of award will be disbursed at contract signing; remainder will be disbursed after submission of satisfactory one-year progress report.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to supporting local communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region by providing access to essential services that address food and housing insecurity. Their funding initiatives aim to foster stability and resilience among at-risk populations, emphasizing charitable donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with their corporate giving priorities. This support helps build strong connections between Cytokinetics and the communities they serve.

The Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant aims to enhance water quality in Biscayne Bay by funding projects submitted by local governments and nonstate entities. Eligible projects may include wastewater improvements, stormwater management, and other initiatives that contribute to the bay's ecological health. This grant is an opportunity for universities and nonprofit organizations to engage in meaningful environmental efforts.

The Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Grant supports local governments and nonstate entities in enhancing efforts to safeguard the Indian River Lagoon. Eligible projects may include wastewater improvements, stormwater management, and initiatives aimed at boosting water quality, aligning with the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program. This grant provides an opportunity for universities and nonprofit organizations to contribute to environmental sustainability and community health through innovative project proposals.

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, administered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), provides crucial housing funding to non-profit organizations assisting individuals and families affected by AIDS/HIV. Available in 77 counties across Indiana, it prioritizes agencies dedicated to supporting these vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to thrive in their communities.

The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants support local and regional planning efforts aimed at enhancing active transportation, safe routes to schools, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050. With a total funding of $29.5 million, these competitive grants also include subcategories for climate adaptation planning and strategic partnerships. Eligible projects must align with state goals and contribute to comprehensive transportation strategies, with grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $700,000.

Department of Environmental Quality

Responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy and land protection, DEQ is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through the work more than 800 employees at six regional offices across the state and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law. 

Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source (NPS)Implementation Program

Purpose and Background

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is making available up to $1.5 million in Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) grant funding through this Request for Application (RFA) to support implementation of goals and milestones included in eligible Nonpoint Source (NPS) cleanup plans. DEQ also anticipates up to an additional $2 million will be available for septic repair, replacement and connection projects. Cleanup plans include a variety of types of plans, including but not limited to implementation plans (IPs), advance restoration plans (ARPs) and watershed-based plans (WBPs). In Virginia, Implementation Plans are the most commonly developed type of plan and henceforth this document will only reference the term IP.

This RFA is intended to identify implementation projects that do not currently have an active or pending CWA Section 319(h) Subrecipient Agreement(s) in the cleanup plan of interest. Existing subrecipients who wish to continue their current project should contact their assigned DEQ NPS Regional Coordinator or email to inquire about the process of continuing their current CWA Section 319(h)-funded project.

Project Types

Implementation of eligible U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-accepted (nine element) cleanup plans and related best management practice (BMP) installation, information and outreach and water quality monitoring.

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant Program, funded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, aims to enhance local governments' ability to provide substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. The program focuses on preparing justice-involved individuals for successful reintegration into their communities through comprehensive treatment and aftercare services, ultimately breaking the cycle of drugs and violence. Eligible counties may submit one proposal for funding to support these critical initiatives.

The Coastal Fund (CF) Grant at the University of California, Santa Barbara, supports initiatives that connect people with coastal ecosystems through funding. With a budget sourced from student fees, the fund prioritizes projects benefiting the UCSB student community. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, with a total allocation of approximately $200,000 each quarter. The fund encourages collaborative proposals that enhance environmental protection and promote equitable student opportunities.

The Merger/Regionalization Feasibility Grants, established by Session Law 2015-241, aim to support local government units and nonprofit water corporations in evaluating the consolidation of water and wastewater systems. Grants, capped at $50,000 over three years, encourage proactive management and financing of utilities. Eligible projects include studies on potential system interconnections for regional water supply and wastewater treatment. Training is recommended for applicants to maximize grant benefits.

The Water Quality Improvement Grant, offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aims to enhance water quality by funding projects that address wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural nutrient sources. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits, focusing on projects that improve water bodies not meeting nutrient standards. Priority is given to initiatives demonstrating significant nutrient reduction, project readiness, and cost-effectiveness. This grant supports vital environmental restoration efforts across Florida.

The Lawrence Fellowship offers a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, inviting exceptional candidates from various technical disciplines. It emphasizes independent research within a collaborative environment, supported by experienced mentors. Fellows receive a competitive monthly salary of $11,204, fostering innovation in areas crucial for U.S. security and global stability. This fellowship not only provides financial support but also encourages groundbreaking scientific advancements.

The Nicor Gas Pillar Grants for Environmental Stewardship aim to support initiatives that enhance community engagement in conservation and sustainable practices. Grants up to $5,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on clean air, environmental protection, and green space preservation. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply, particularly those that engage the public in environmental stewardship projects within Nicor Gas’ service area.

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation Grant supports programs and capital projects primarily benefiting the people of Hawaii. Starting in 2025, applications will be accepted for six focus areas, including education and healthcare. Grants range from $3,000 to $100,000, with a preference for projects that have additional funding sources. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status operating in Hawaii. The foundation does not fund projects outside Hawaii or general operating support.