Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The GCRCF: Linn County Grants aim to improve community development and quality of life in non-metro areas of Linn County, Iowa. Priority is given to well-designed programs that demonstrate innovative solutions to local issues. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations, particularly those serving non-metro communities. Capital projects are encouraged, while fundraising events and scholarships for education are ineligible. This initiative seeks to foster community-driven initiatives that effectively utilize local resources.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation offers Rapid Response Grants to support local nonprofit organizations in Linn County, Iowa. These grants, up to $2,500 for a maximum duration of 12 months, are designed for emergency expenses and emerging opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsorship agreement. The fund prioritizes projects addressing urgent needs or time-sensitive community issues.

Story County Community Foundation

The Story County Community Foundation does more than simply distributing grants that advance charitable activities. It also identifies current and emerging issues, stimulates resources to address those needs and helps Story County prepare for the future.

The Story County Community Foundation has two primary functions:

• To receive, manage and distribute funds made available by the Iowa County Endowment Fund legislation for the benefit of Story County communities and organizations.
• To provide a means for donors to make gifts that address the challenges and issues confronting Story County communities and organizations now and in the future.

Currently, the foundation holds more than 180 different funds established by individuals, families, and nonprofit agencies to benefit Story County, Iowa. Since its founding in 2005, the foundation has served the needs of this area and the wishes of our donors through personalized service, financial stewardship, local expertise, and community leadership.

McCallsburg, Iowa Legacy Grant

The City of McCallsburg will be the Fiscal Sponsor for this grant. Funds will be directed to the City of McCallsburg and the City will distribute the funds to the grant recipient.

Grant Information

• Grants funding may be awarded up to, but not exceed, the McCallsburg Legacy Fund spendable balance. Please contact the Story County Community Foundation for up-to-date funding available.
• The McCallsburg City Council will consider all applications during next regular City Council meeting.
• Grant funding must be used within a year of the award.
• A Final Report is required upon completion of the project.

The Community Action Grant by the Black Hills Area Community Foundation offers two funding opportunities: $50,000 and $20,000. The $20,000 grant is specifically aimed at nonprofit endowment holders in the Black Hills area, encouraging creative and sustainable community projects. Applications for the $20,000 grant open on June 1, and the selection process is conducted by the BHACF Grants Committee after the deadline. This initiative aims to empower organizations that foster collaboration and positive change in the region.

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds from GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp. aim to support local nonprofit organizations through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors. Grants can cover programmatic support, capital projects, and event sponsorships, with specific restrictions on ineligible expenses such as travel and religious purposes. This initiative fosters community engagement and growth by empowering local entities.

The Mayer Foundation, a New York nonprofit established in 2002, focuses on economic relief grants for individuals facing hardship due to poverty or disaster. It supports IRS 501(C)(3) organizations with grants for educational and humanitarian purposes, and provides scholarships to students aiming for higher education. Typical grant sizes are around $2,000, aimed at fostering community welfare and educational advancement. The foundation's work significantly impacts the lives of those in need, especially in New York City.

Black Hills Area Community Foundation

We collaborate with our community to strengthen the Black Hills region for everyone.

Our mission is to lead solutions, give with purpose, and thrive together.

We invest in nonprofits, help donors enjoy giving, and manage initiatives to address key issues. We’re the only Community Foundation solely focused on serving the Black Hills area, spanning Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River counties.

As of 2026, Black Hills Area Community Foundation manages $100 million in assets and has invested more than $45 million in grants and scholarships since its establishment in 2006.

Community Action Grant

The Community Action Grant is offered to nonprofit endowment holders that employ creative ideas, leverage community partnerships and focus on sustainable practices.

There are two types: Community Action Grant ($50,000); and Community Action Grant ($20,000)

Community Action Grant ($50,000)

The Community Action Grant is available to nonprofits holding an agency endowment fund at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. This grant will be awarded to an organization employing creative ideas, leveraging community partnerships, and focusing on sustainable practices.  

The Competitive Donor-Advised Funds grant, offered by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Linn County, Iowa. This grant supports nonprofit organizations with diverse funding needs, including programmatic support and capital campaigns. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities. Grants can be awarded for up to $5,000 for projects within Cedar Rapids, with a standard duration of 12 months.

The Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds, established in 2012, provides gap funding to non-profits in Baltimore. It supports diverse initiatives, including COVID-19 kits for students and resource cards for families in need. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve Baltimore City, and adhere to non-discrimination policies. However, the fund does not support start-ups, capital projects, or initiatives outside the Baltimore region, ensuring focused impact within the community.

The Roothbert Fund Scholarship, established by Albert and Toni Roothbert, provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in the U.S., emphasizing candidates motivated by spiritual values. Since its inception in 1958, the fund has supported over 1,350 fellows, fostering a community with annual retreats and online connections. Open to all regardless of background, the scholarship prioritizes graduate students and those with a year of college completed, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of young idealists.

The Tufts Community Grants (TCG), launched in 1995, support nonprofit initiatives in Boston, Grafton, Medford, and Somerville. Funded by Tufts University donations, TCG has awarded over $3,000 to 35 local programs in 2025, benefiting more than 150 nonprofits since inception. Grants are aimed at projects that enhance community service and require involvement from Tufts students or staff. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or specific public agencies, focusing on direct community benefits.

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) provides essential grant funding to 501(C)(3) non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Roscommon County. The Foundation promotes diversity, equity, and inclusiveness while adhering to a strict non-discrimination policy. Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance before application submission, ensuring projects align with RCCF's funding criteria. Grants are intended for future projects only, requiring proof of non-profit status and expenditures for approval.

The Mrs. A. D. Francis Endowment Fund Grant supports public charities in Winnsboro, Texas, enhancing their capacity to serve the community. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) status, providing services without discrimination. The fund does not support private foundations or individual grants. This initiative aims to foster community-driven projects and create impactful services, ensuring all citizens can benefit from the programs developed with these funds.

The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Grant Program, funded by the Eau Claire Community Foundation, supports local nonprofits in Eau Claire by providing grants for professional development training. These grants, up to $500 per training, enable nonprofit staff and board members to gain essential skills through education and strategic planning sessions, making valuable opportunities accessible that might otherwise be unaffordable.

The Albert E. & Birdie W. Einstein Fund Grant aims to support charitable organizations and causes while ensuring responsible management of resources. Eligible applicants must provide a 501(c)(3) designation, operate in Florida, and submit recent financial statements. The fund does not support individual research, general operating expenses, or organizations lacking the necessary designation, focusing instead on enhancing community welfare through effective funding.

The Hind Foundation's Continuing Education Grant supports nonprofits in San Luis Obispo County by providing resources to enhance the skills of staff, volunteers, and board members. This grant aims to improve organizational efficiency and community impact through funding for various educational programs, such as seminars and training. Grants of up to $1,000 are awarded based on project merit, ensuring that organizations can engage in essential continuing education opportunities to foster growth and sustainability.

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation offers Action Grants to support local organizations in the Lake Tahoe Basin. These small grants, ranging from $500 to $2,500, aim to fill funding gaps for programs or cover one-time expenses. Established in 1996, the foundation has granted over $102 million to charitable causes, fostering a thriving community through philanthropy and collaboration. Organizations can receive one Action Grant per calendar year and still apply for Community Fund grants.

The RE/MAX Community Grant Chest, managed by the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, supports local nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Stanwood and Camano Island. Grants aim to fund projects that directly benefit the community, ensuring sustainable development and enhancing quality of life. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies with realistic projects under $2000. This initiative fosters a culture of philanthropy and community collaboration, ensuring impactful support for diverse local needs.

The ACF: Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant offers up to $3,000 for capacity-building projects to established 501c3s or fiscally sponsored organizations serving Athens County. Eligible activities include board training, DEI training, and donor engagement consulting. Organizations can apply on a rolling basis, but grants generally need to be spent within a year. Preference is given to smaller institutions with significant needs, and ineligible activities include endowments and scholarships.

The Thomas County Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, focuses on enhancing community betterment in Thomas County, Kansas. By pooling resources from various donors, it builds endowed funds to support diverse philanthropic goals. The foundation awards grants to eligible nonprofit organizations, educational, governmental, and religious institutions, while ensuring that applicants uphold non-discrimination standards. Note that grants are not available for individual persons or for-profit businesses, and operational costs are excluded.

The Impact Fund for Cloud County is a community grant fund established to address the needs of Cloud County through charitable contributions. It supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Non-profit organizations, groups, and individuals are encouraged to apply for funding, although for-profit entities are only considered for charitable projects. The Foundation Board evaluates grant applications annually to allocate funds effectively.

The Falk Facilities and Technology Improvement Fund, supported by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, provides grants for capital improvements to partner agencies already receiving Community Impact grants. Eligible applicants include those in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, with funding available for renovations, repairs, vehicle purchases, and technology upgrades. This initiative aims to enhance community services and strengthen local organizations.

Colorado Gives Day, occurring on December 9th, is a significant annual event that empowers nonprofits across Colorado. Since its inception in 2010, it has raised over $415 million to strengthen communities and support local organizations. This initiative, backed by the Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank, encourages residents to give back where they live, promoting a culture of generosity and collaboration among Coloradans.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation's Leadership Development Grant aims to enhance nonprofit resilience by providing leadership training and resources. This initiative supports organizations in Winnebago, Waushara, Green Lake Counties, and Ripon, focusing on critical skills in fundraising, digital marketing, and collaborative problem-solving. The year-long program includes scholarships for executive directors and senior leaders to strengthen their operational effectiveness. A co-investment of $1,500 is required from each participating nonprofit to promote sustainable growth and community impact.

The Sedora Foundation Grant offers approximately $14,000 annually to support tax-exempt organizations in Southwest Missouri. Established by Stephen and Helen Sedora, this grant aims to maximize community impact through unrestricted funding. Eligible applicants must provide an IRS Determination Letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status. This initiative reflects the Sedoras' commitment to philanthropy and enhancing the wellbeing of local charities.

The Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation, established in 1959 by Netta Muessel Ellison, aims to support charitable purposes benefiting South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana. The foundation focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate within the specified geographic region. Through its efforts, the foundation honors the legacy of the Muessel and Ellison families, promoting community well-being and civic engagement.

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Grants support local charities through proceeds from specially decorated cookies. Each year, 100% of the profits during Smile Cookie Week are donated, amounting to over $15 million last year alone. Eligible organizations must apply, detailing their mission, community impact, and funding needs. This initiative not only aids various charitable causes but also encourages community engagement through the beloved Smile Cookie campaign.