Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Craig Covey LGBT and Diversity Pride Fund Grant, established by Stark County activist Craig Covey, aims to support local nonprofits adopting non-discrimination policies. With a total funding of $5,000, it will provide ten mini-grants of $500 each to organizations that prioritize inclusivity for marginalized communities, including racial, cultural, and sexual minorities. This initiative reinforces Covey's lifelong commitment to advocacy and aims to foster a more engaged and inclusive community in Stark County.

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants aim to empower youth aged 16-24 by enhancing workforce readiness and addressing food insecurity. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the program supports local organizations that demonstrate impactful community service. The initiative focuses on holistic approaches, including apprenticeships, training, and mentorship, ensuring young people have access to essential skills and resources. By fostering communities, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and opportunity.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Clinical Trial

$200,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the Assistant Professor level or higher
• Preclinical studies must be complete
• If an FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) application is necessary for the proposed clinical study, the IND application should already have passed FDA initial review and be active
• If the PI has recruited additional patient enrollment sites, local IRB approval must be obtained for each site.

• How many treatment options would this study provide for children?
• How accessible is this study for children and families to access?

The Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation Grant aims to foster a philanthropic corporate culture by supporting local nonprofit organizations focused on the welfare of vulnerable children and families. The Foundation prioritizes cash grants to organizations addressing food, housing, health, safety, and education needs in communities served by Sunwest Bank. Eligible nonprofits must align with the Foundation's mission and engage in a transparent application process, with extra consideration given to organizations where Sunwest employees volunteer.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Cape Fear River Assembly Scholarship

Any high school or college student accepted/enrolled in a college in the Cape Fear River Basin. 

The Jack H. & William M. Light Charitable Trust Grant focuses on enhancing the welfare of children, particularly in Harris County, Texas. It provides financial support to 501(C)(3) organizations dedicated to improving children's health, mental health, and education. The trust distributes funds semiannually, aiming to create a significant positive impact in the community by addressing the needs of children comprehensively.

The Kaiser Permanente Washington Region Community Health Grant focuses on improving health care access, mental health, housing, and dismantling structural racism. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and community programs to foster sustainable health initiatives. Through a Community Health Needs Assessment, Kaiser Permanente identifies community needs and builds partnerships for equitable health solutions. The grant aims to create lasting impact in Washington communities by addressing crucial health disparities.

The Ethel Strickarz Memorial Scholarship aims to address community needs through educational support in special education and related fields. Funded by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, it encourages students pursuing careers in human services, nursing, psychology, speech pathology, or therapy. This scholarship reflects a commitment to holistic community development by fostering future professionals dedicated to improving lives and addressing urgent societal challenges.

The ACCF Youth (TAG Team) Grants support youth development initiatives in Allegan County, inviting high school students to represent their peers through the T.A.G (Teens Aiding Growth) Team. This funding opportunity prioritizes programs that enhance early childhood education, promote mental and physical health, and support youth-led social change. Grants are available for 501(c)3 non-profits and governmental units, ensuring they meet specific eligibility criteria to benefit local youth aged 0-19.

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program Round 10

The AHSC Program funds projects that implement land-use, housing, transportation, and agricultural land preservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The AHSC Program provides grants and/or loans for Projects that achieve GHG Reductions and benefit communities across California, particularly DACs, Low-Income Communities, and Low-Income Households, through increasing accessibility of affordable housing, employment centers, and Key Destinations via low-carbon transportation. These investments result in fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through shortened or reduced vehicle trip length or mode shift to transit, bicycling, or walking.

The purpose of these Program Guidelines is to implement Division 44, Part 1 Chapter 2 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC) (commencing with Section 75200), which establishes the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program, hereinafter referred to as the AHSC Program. Per the California Public Resources Code, the purpose of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through Projects that implement land use, housing, transportation, and Agricultural Land preservation practices to support infill and compact development, and that support related and coordinated public policy objectives, including the following:

• Reducing air pollution;
• Improving conditions in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs);
• Supporting or improving public health and other co-benefits as defined in Section 39712 of the Health and Safety Code;
• Improving connectivity and accessibility to jobs, housing, and services;
• Increasing options for mobility, including the implementation of the Active Transportation Program established pursuant to Section 2380 of the Streets and Highway Code;
• Increasing transit ridership;
• Preserving and developing affordable housing for lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code; and
• Protecting Agricultural Lands to support infill development.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) Prey and Salmon Productivity Monitoring project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) aims to assess prey species composition critical for the endangered CIBW. This initiative will inform environmental management decisions, support compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and contribute to understanding factors affecting CIBW population recovery. The project spans 18 months, with potential follow-on periods, focusing on the ecological dynamics of salmon and other prey species in JBER waters.

The KS Agricultural Land Easements program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, protects vital croplands and grasslands by limiting non-agricultural land uses. It supports private and tribal landowners in preserving their agricultural land through conservation easements, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhancing public benefits like wildlife habitat and environmental quality. Eligible participants can receive significant financial assistance to maintain the agricultural use of their land, fostering local partnerships for stewardship.

The Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, initiated by the Western Montana Conservation Commission, aims to enhance water quality in Western Montana by reducing pollutants from septic systems. This program provides grants for education, outreach, and best practices in septic maintenance. Eligible applicants include government entities and non-profits that meet specific criteria. Projects must focus on outreach, education, and community involvement to foster long-term behavior change regarding septic system care and water quality preservation.

The Margaret C. Woodson Foundation Grant Program, established in 1955, aims to enhance public welfare through support for charitable, educational, and religious organizations. It focuses on programs addressing social issues, youth at risk, health matters, and cultural arts. Grants are available for 501(c)3 nonprofits and educational institutions primarily serving Rowan and Davie Counties. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster constructive change and public service, while excluding capital campaigns and direct support for individuals.

Texas Health and Human Services

Texas Health and Human Services, also known as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), helps more than 7.5 million Texans every month. The agency supports the needs of mothers, children and families through programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, women’s health and behavioral health services.

HHSC provides long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, and operates state supported living centers for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and state psychiatric hospitals. HHSC also regulates health care providers, professions and facilities to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Program for Rural Texas

Executive Summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting applications for the State Fiscal Year 2026 Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Program for Rural Texas Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to connect Rural Hospitals (RHs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) with (i) pediatric specialists and pediatric subspecialists who provide Telemedicine Medical Services (TMS) or (ii) an institution of higher education that is a member of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium established under Chapter 113 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. Applicants should reference Section II, Scope of Grant Project, for further detailed information regarding the purpose, background, eligible activities, and program requirements.

The Heart of Steamboat Community Fund, established in 1984, supports non-profit organizations in Routt and Moffat Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $2,500, totaling up to $32,000. Focus areas include mental health, food security, and support for immigrants, seniors, and youth. To be eligible, organizations must have a local presence and be registered as charitable entities in Colorado. Priority is given to initiatives addressing these vital community needs.

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Centers program aims to provide essential training and technical assistance to combat opioid and stimulant misuse in rural areas. With 10 Regional Centers and a National Coordinating Office, the initiative focuses on high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for substance use disorders. This program anticipates awarding 11 new grants to enhance community health and safety in addressing polysubstance use challenges.

There have been a lot of improvements in our Tennessee communities since the former Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program, now known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), began providing funds to local governments in 1991. Nearly $409 million in grants have been distributed by the Department. The money has gone to hundreds of communities across the Volunteer State to build sidewalks and bike lanes, update ADA accessibility and to renovate historic transportation facilities and other transportation-related structures. The impact of some of the projects is primarily local, whereas projects such as the wildflower planting along roadways across the state can be enjoyed annually by thousands of Tennesseans and tourists. Whether large or small, the projects serve the same purposes - improving access and providing a better quality of life for people in the state of Tennessee.

In order to be considered for project funding, the application must fall into one or more of the following specific categories as defined by federal legislation and relate to surface transportation 

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities & Safe Routes for Non-Drivers
  • All facilities must be hard-surfaced, ADA compliant and provide adequate connectivity and separation from vehicular traffic. Sidewalk facilities must be a minimum of 5-feet wide and shared-use facilities must be a minimum of 10-feet wide. TAP funds can be used for sidewalks, walkways or curb ramps, bike lane striping, wide paved shoulders, bike parking and bus racks, traffic calming for the safety of bike/ped traffic, off-road trails, bike and pedestrian bridges/underpasses and ADA compliance.
• Conversion of Abandoned Railway Corridors to Trails
  • Construction of hard-surfaced pedestrian or shared-use ADA accessible trails and rails-with-trails projects.
• Scenic Turnouts and Overlooks
  • Construction of scenic turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas.
• Historic Preservation & Rehab of Historic Transportation Facilities
  • Preservation of transportation buildings and facades in historical districts, restoration of historic buildings for transportation-related purposes, access improvements to historic sites, restoration of railroad depots, bus stations and rehabilitation of rail trestles, tunnels and bridges.
• Archaeological Activities
  • Projects related to archaeological assessments from the implementation of current highway construction projects

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS)

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services program. This solicitation is open to non-profit organizations registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $75,000, depending on each applicant’s need for funds, the availability of funding, and the volume of eligible applicants.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ policies.

Grants for Veterans’ Services may be utilized to provide the following services to caregivers and family members:

• Programs focused on eliminating homelessness, preventing near-term homelessness, and providing safe and secure living conditions.
• Assisting veterans in moving from public housing assistance programs to:
• home ownership, or
• stable, long-term rental status.
• Assisting veterans or an eligible person in finding and using available federal and state resources.
• Providing therapeutic services.
• Providing job training and job search assistance.
• Preventing veteran suicide or the suicide of an eligible person.

The Education and Workforce Development Honors Award, administered by the Texas Capital Bank Foundation, is a competitive grant program that supports innovative nonprofit organizations in Texas. With $50,000 grants for housing and workforce programs, and a $100,000 grant for veterans' services, this award aims to empower organizations that provide essential entrepreneurial resources to help individuals launch and grow sustainable businesses, ultimately benefiting low- and moderate-income communities.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County (WGC) Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on women, children, and families in Harford County. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded for specific projects or activities that directly benefit these groups. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, and funds cannot be used for general operating expenses or sectarian purposes. Applications must include detailed project proposals and prior grant reports if applicable.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants up to $3,000 for Youth Enrichment programs aimed at supporting youth aged 6-18 in Ashtabula County. These grants focus on initiatives that foster personal development, leadership, and educational growth. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and serve the local community, with funding decisions made promptly by a review committee. This initiative aims to enhance youth skills and well-being through various programs.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Giant Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Healing the Planet Grants support tree planting initiatives in Pennsylvania, enhancing environmental health and community well-being. This program, initiated by the non-profit PA CleanWays, empowers local volunteers to tackle litter and illegal dumping while providing funding of up to $4,000 for projects. By investing in green spaces, the program aims to significantly improve water and air quality, contributing to a cleaner and more beautiful Pennsylvania for all residents.

State and Tribal Wildlife Grants

The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides federal funding to the states for conservation of nongame species and their habitat. The goal of the program is to prevent these species from being listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This important program supports conservation of species that are not hunted or fished, many of which had no previous source of conservation funding. In addition, the program’s focus on proactive conservation measures designed to halt or prevent population declines is key, as conservation is often more effective and efficient before species undergo declines sufficient to warrant Endangered Species Act action.