Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been the area’s signature resource for those who, like us, aspire to make our community a better place.

The Foundation has been at the forefront of positive community change and charitable impact since The Stanley Works and New Britain Machine pooled $30,000 in gifts before World War II to begin what was then called the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. Primarily a grant maker for many years, providing funding to support New Britain non-profits and their programs, our Foundation today is leading and collaborating to shape the Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington of tomorrow.

Community Chest of New Britain and Berlin (CCNBB) Grant

The Community Chest of New Britain and Berlin has a long, proud history of serving our community. 

The Community Chest supports programs in the health and human service area and will consider requests for program grants, general operating support and seed grants for new programs. Generally, requests for capital equipment are not funded but may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Proposals will be evaluated with respect to available funding and the potential benefit of the project to the community.

Due to the challenging economic climate and recent cuts to federal funding, the Community Chest Board will prioritize programs that address the following basic needs until further notice:

• Mental Health
• Food
• Housing/Shelter
• General Health

Organizations serving children in regard to the priority areas above will receive additional consideration

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation supports impactful projects in Texas, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic vitality. Their strategic grantmaking emphasizes clean energy, land conservation, subsurface energy, sustainability education, and water resources. The foundation seeks proposals that align with their mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to Texas. Projects funded must have a robust communication strategy to share outcomes effectively, ensuring lasting impacts on the communities served.

The Main Street Matters program offers Accessible Housing Grants to enhance living conditions for individuals with permanent physical disabilities. This initiative promotes community revitalization by funding essential renovations, ensuring individuals can remain in their homes rather than institutional care. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits. The program emphasizes collaboration with local funding sources and prioritizes projects that address immediate community needs, helping to create inclusive and supportive environments for all residents.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The Pattern Panhandle Wind Competitive Grant Program, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports nonprofit and charitable institutions serving Carson County. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through grants focused on civic engagement, disaster recovery, economic development, health initiatives, and educational support for students. Proposals are welcomed from organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, with priority given to those based in Carson County. This program fosters collaboration and growth, ensuring lasting benefits for local residents.

The Woodberry Poetry Room Creative Fellowship invites diverse creators, including poets, writers, and scholars, to engage with its extensive collections. Funded by the T.S. Eliot Foundation, recipients receive a $5,000 stipend and a one-week residency at the T.S. Eliot House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The fellowship promotes inclusivity and welcomes applications from individuals of all nationalities, fostering creative exploration and collaboration in a supportive environment.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

The GA Arts: General Operating Support Grant, provided by the Georgia Council for the Arts, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in Georgia. This grant facilitates the growth of community engagement through various art forms, including performing, visual, and media arts. Eligible organizations must have a primary arts mission and offer significant arts-based programming. By fostering creativity and cultural expression, this grant helps enhance the vibrancy of Georgia's communities.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners in Illinois. It focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity while preserving natural resources. By facilitating improved water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats, EQIP promotes sustainable practices in farming. Producers can receive support for various initiatives, ensuring that conservation efforts align with agricultural goals. This program is essential for mitigating environmental impacts and fostering sustainable agriculture in the region.

The RAF Better Communities Grants focus on enhancing quality of life in the Rochester area through unrestricted funding for nonprofits. With a commitment to equity, these grants support historically marginalized communities and basic needs, promoting growth and resilience. Organizations can apply for funding between $10,000 and $20,000 annually, with a particular emphasis on operational support. This initiative aims to empower nonprofits and strengthen community infrastructure, ensuring sustained impact and collaboration.

The Cullum Foundation Grant supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Augusta, Georgia, and Richmond County. Established in memory of Henry C. Cullum, the foundation aims to alleviate suffering, support education for youth, and maintain churches. Organizations seeking funding must submit applications online and demonstrate their alignment with the foundation's mission to improve the welfare of individuals in need, focusing on health, education, and human services.

The Alaska Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant aims to enhance student learning beyond school hours. With approximately $3.7 million available annually, the program focuses on students from high-poverty schools, fostering academic achievement through community learning centers. These centers provide academic support and enrichment activities, such as STEM, arts, and counseling, while encouraging partnerships with local organizations to improve program quality and sustainability. Grants will be awarded for a five-year period, starting in 2025.

The Water Project Fund in New Mexico is inviting applications for the planning and design of water utilization projects aimed at addressing supply demands in the southwestern region. This initiative, supported by the New Mexico Finance Authority, will focus on promoting water conservation, developing sustainable water delivery systems, and enhancing watershed health. Applications for construction funding are anticipated to be available soon, with the Interstate Stream Commission overseeing award determinations.

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Community Service Block Grant

The Community Service Block Grant is a federal anti-poverty program administered by the Community Advancement and Development office of the WV Department of Economic Development. CSBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and administered by the Office of Community Services ACF-OCS.

CSBG is not a competitive grant. Eligible applicants are Community Action Agencies that are designated by the Governor of West Virginia to administer the Community Services Block Grant. CSBG does not directly fund individuals but provides funding to Community Action Agencies throughout the state. The purpose in West Virginia is to aid a network of 15 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and to provide economic opportunities for low-income families.

Organizations which were officially designated as Community Action Agencies (CAAs) under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and were specifically designated by the 1981 CSBG Act as eligible entities to receive CSBG funds.

All recipients of CSBG funds submit community action plans and budgets detailing the programs, services, and activities to be conducted using CSBG funding.

Benefits of CSBG

WV's Community Action Agencies are independent non-profit organizations each providing a unique mix of community services. CSBG funding supports projects that:

• Lessen poverty in communities
• Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless, migrants and the elderly
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health

The Anchorage Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, coordinated by ACEH, supports funding for permanent and transitional housing in Anchorage through a competitive grant process. Annually, ACEH assists with HUD CoC project submissions and offers technical support for renewal and new applications. While funding for FY 2024-25 remains undetermined, the competition is expected to be intense at both local and national levels, promoting a commitment to ending homelessness in the community.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Walter S. Mander Foundation offers grants focused on urban agriculture, local sustainable agriculture, community development, and cancer research. As a private foundation, it does not accept unsolicited proposals but allows brief introductory letters for review. Grants are made on a rolling basis, primarily supporting organizations serving Chicago and surrounding areas. Areas such as Jewish and Israeli organizations are also prioritized. The foundation is driven by the legacy of Walter S. Mander, a Jewish refugee who thrived in the American meatpacking industry.

The Imperial Community Foundation Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the community through charitable giving and grants. It focuses on supporting local initiatives that foster leadership, education, and inclusivity. The fund prioritizes projects that address emerging needs and empower the community's potential, ensuring a collaborative and trustworthy approach to philanthropy. With a vision for a safe, progressive environment, the fund encourages diverse participation for lasting impact.

The Pott Foundation

The Pott Foundation was established in 1963 by Herman T. Pott. The grant making process is overseen by an Advisory Committee made up of seven members. This Committee, four of whom are descendants of Herman and Phenie Pott, determines how the funds will be distributed to accomplish the mission of the trust.

The Advisory Committee of the Pott Foundation honors the values that were important to Herman T. Pott and Phenie R. Pott; children, education and health and human services. Most of the grant recipients are located in Herman Pott's adopted city of St. Louis, Missouri. The Foundation distributes approximately $1.5 million annually to over 100 charities.

Grant Guidelines and Helpful Hints

The following information will be useful for organizations inquiring about grants from the Pott Foundation.

The fiscal year of the Foundation is January 1 - December 31.

 

The MARC is offering the Water Quality Enhancement Development, Design, and Implementation Block Grant to support innovative water quality enhancement projects. This program aims to address statutory goals, including flood resiliency and recreational benefits, by funding project development and engineering design. With a total funding of $1,980,188 available, projects can fall under two categories: Project Development and Engineering Design. No local match is required, making this an accessible opportunity for eligible applicants.

The Art & Culture Grant aims to enhance community well-being through the arts, highlighting their importance in fostering connection and creativity. The Community Foundation of Broward supports nonprofits in expanding access to diverse cultural programs that engage all residents, including marginalized groups. The initiative seeks to revitalize the arts sector, which has faced economic challenges, by funding projects that promote healing, dialogue, and the celebration of cultural heritage across Broward County.

The Hulston Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing health, education, and welfare for children and families, while addressing hunger and homelessness. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations based in West Central and Southwest Missouri, with a focus on effective management and measurable community impact. Grants are capped at $25,000 and typically not extended beyond two consecutive years, ensuring a sustainable approach to funding community-based projects.

The PACCAR Foundation Grant supports organizations in communities with a significant PACCAR presence, such as factories and offices. Established in 1951, it primarily funds capital projects for social services, education, and cultural affairs. Recipients often include United Way and local universities. The foundation does not support fundraising events or individual scholarships, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful community initiatives. Proposals must align with the foundation's mission to enhance community welfare.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

 The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by Harold Brown. Its goal is to provide support for local 501c3 organizations which serve the community. Annual funding ranges between $250,000 and over $1,000,000. The chairman is Ronald Brown. Other board members: Jameson Brown, Maura Nolan Brown, Harley Brown, Fred Lebow & Andrea Kozinetz.

Grants

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation funds a wide variety of charities, including those that engage in medical and scientific research and deliver medical services and those that provide educational, artistic/musical, and recreational activities for underserved youths. The Foundation also finances scholarships for qualified applicants, aid to those experiencing homelessness, capital renovations or new construction, and animal hospitals and shelters.

Past and current charities supported include but are not limited to the West End House, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, and the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Efficient use of administrative costs relative to benefits received by individuals is considered, and we fund specific projects, not operational costs. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation’s annual funding is in excess of $4 million per year. There is one application for requests over $1000. A very brief summary application is required for requests up to $1,000.

These grants may provide educational, recreational, and other services to urban and suburban youth. Funds are also available for arts and culture by way of museums, other learning opportunities. Funds may be directed as assistance to people in need such as supplying care for families, food.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

Stater Bros. Charities Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing community well-being in Southern California. With a focus on hunger relief, education, children's health, veterans, and pet welfare, the grant provides funding between $500 and $2,500. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Stater Bros. Charities has donated over $38 million to local causes, ensuring that funds raised stay within the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets, benefiting those in need.