Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Sara Rickertsen Special Needs Grant Program, established by the Rickertsen family, honors their daughter Sara, who has intellectual disabilities. This program aims to support organizations in the Lexington area that assist individuals with disabilities. Grants of up to $1,000 are available annually for projects that promote health, social inclusion, education, and employment for people with disabilities, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America Monthly Grant provides essential financial assistance to broadcasters facing acute hardships due to serious illnesses or accidents. This initiative aims to support those who have dedicated significant years to the broadcasting profession, ensuring they receive medical aid and relief from financial burdens. Eligible applicants can apply for monthly grants if they meet specific employment and hardship criteria, helping them navigate difficult times with dignity and support.

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

The Oriental Trading Company Corporate Giving Program focuses on enhancing the lives of children through education, youth programming, healthcare, and human services. With a commitment to making the world a better place, they support organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or public educational institutions. Their initiatives aim to foster community partnerships and provide essential resources to youth in need, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities for growth.

The Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, aims to enhance nonprofit service providers' capacity to address mental health and substance abuse issues. By focusing on education, awareness, and training, the fund seeks to create sustainable positive impacts in communities across nine Iowa counties. This initiative responds to pressing community needs and works to reduce stigma while improving access to essential services.

The AWWA Arcadis Scholarship offers a $5,000 award to graduate-level students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups pursuing STEM fields. This initiative by the American Water Works Association aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the water service industry, recognizing the critical role of future leaders in ensuring sustainable water supply. Eligible candidates include Black, Latinx, and American Indian or Alaska Native students with the potential for impactful contributions in the sector.

Department for Local Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the way of grant and loan assistance, as well as advising local governments in matters of budget, personnel and other issues relevant to those entities.​

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, and Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Public Services (Recovery Kentucky)

​​​​​CDBG Public Services funds, in the form of operational costs to support the Recovery Kentucky Program, will be made available in 2026 to existing Recovery Kentucky Substance Abuse Centers. These centers serve individuals who have a history of substance abuse, with an emphasis on the homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless and those referred by the judicial system.

The AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship, established in 1984, supports highly qualified students conducting meaningful research in water supply through doctoral programs. Named after Dr. Abel Wolman, this prestigious award recognizes excellence and creativity in the water sector. The fellowship provides up to two years of financial support, with an initial award of $30,000 for the first year, aimed at fostering the next generation of water professionals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The Educational Incentive Award Application by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation aims to support children of individuals with severe thalassemia in pursuing their educational and career aspirations. With a total funding of $10,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, awards range from $500 for two-year programs to $1,000 for higher degree studies. Eligible applicants must be diagnosed with specific thalassemia types and provide necessary documentation, including a 250-word essay detailing their educational goals.

About DC Health Community Health Administration

The Community Health Administration works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in health. CHA focuses on nutrition and physical activity promotion; cancer and chronic disease prevention and control; access to quality primary health care services; and the health of families across the lifespan. CHA’s approach targets the multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies and systems change.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

Purpose

The DC Health Community Health Administration (CHA) is requesting applications from qualified applicants to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities resulting in food insecurity.

Applicants shall implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, food security, and reduce the burden of chronic disease for vulnerable residents across the life span. 

Target Population

Grantees shall provide services to at least 6,000 District residents across the lifespan (16 years or older) who are disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and experience higher barriers to accessing healthy foods. Programming shall prioritize residents that participate in or are eligible for one of the following programs:

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, locally Grocery Plus)
• SNAP (formerly food stamps)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• WIC

Emphasis should be placed on residents of Wards 5, 7, and 8.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award to graduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in the water consulting engineering field. Established in honor of Bryant L. Bench, this scholarship aims to support future leaders who will enhance drinking water quality through innovative engineering solutions. The American Water Works Association emphasizes the importance of investing in students to secure the future of the water industry.

The Systemic Sclerosis with Interstitial Lung Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. This rare autoimmune disease leads to excessive collagen production, causing serious health issues. The fund assists with prescription copays and insurance premiums to ensure patients receive necessary treatments. In 2024, HealthWell awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients in accessing vital healthcare services.

The Thalassemia Patient Incentive Award, sponsored by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, aims to support thalassemia patients in pursuing their educational and career aspirations. Awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 will be granted to students at various academic levels, with applications due in March 2026. This initiative not only encourages academic growth but also fosters a positive outlook among patients living with thalassemia, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to improving their quality of life.

The Gamma Mu Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support the LGBT community in rural and underserved areas through various grants. Initially focused on HIV/AIDS projects, it now funds scholarships and services for diverse LGBT subpopulations. With over $2 million awarded, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance community support, public education, and health programs. It emphasizes projects that build organizational capacity and provide essential services where resources are limited, ensuring ongoing support for vital health and social services.

The HICAHS Emerging Issues Grants support innovative research addressing urgent agricultural health and safety concerns. Funded by the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, these grants prioritize projects that tackle emerging health risks, including climate change impacts, infectious diseases, and mental health issues among agricultural workers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, enabling quick responses to pressing needs in the community. This initiative aims to enhance safety and resilience in the agricultural sector.

The Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides crucial support to local communities in California, helping under-resourced applicants access funding for parks and open space projects. TAP offers annual assistance through outreach, mentoring, and resources to facilitate project development, grant writing, and community engagement. By allocating up to 10% of funds for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities, TAP promotes equity in funding access, ensuring that all applicants have the necessary tools to succeed.

The Quality Schools Grant Program, funded by the Alaska Department of Education, aims to enhance student achievement by aligning educational practices with Alaska Standards. Schools may apply for $16 per adjusted Average Daily Membership to support various educational activities, including curriculum development and tutoring. The program prioritizes interventions that positively impact students struggling with core subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics, ensuring that all funded efforts contribute to measurable academic improvements.

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards: People; Planet; and Prosperity

Grant Priorities: Prosperity

Will your project/program contribute to Michigan’s economy by creating safe, desirable neighborhoods, supporting job growth and entrepreneurs, or attracting visitors?

Growing Our Local Economy and Resources

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan businesses and communities are growing and have world-class cultural resources. We’re deeply involved in community development efforts across the state. We award grants supporting our economic development priority to improve the welfare of whole communities, with a focus on funding projects with long-term benefits on Michigan’s economy. 

The Core State Injury Prevention Program (Core SIPP) aims to enhance public health infrastructure and partnerships to prevent unintentional injuries through data-driven strategies. Focusing on key areas such as traumatic brain injury, falls among older adults, and drowning, it seeks to improve community safety by strengthening data use and fostering collaborations. This initiative supports states in identifying local injury concerns, thus promoting evidence-based prevention approaches and increasing the capacity for sustained public health actions.

The AWWA Hazen Scholarship supports graduate-level candidates dedicated to improving water quality and resources. Awarded by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the water industry. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to addressing critical challenges in drinking water, water reuse, and sustainable practices. This initiative reflects AWWA's mission to invest in the next generation of water supply professionals, ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.

The HDR One Water Institute Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, provides $10,000 in funding to support graduate students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers as consultants in the water industry. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in future water professionals and fostering innovative research to address pressing water challenges.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Rodney B. Janes Business, Vocational, or Technical Award

Purpose of Scholarship

This need-based scholarship provides educational assistance to young adult students up to age 30 who are residents of Monroe County, NY; have financial need; and are attending or entering post-secondary business, vocational, or technical schools or programs in Monroe County.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,000; award may not exceed cost of tuition/program/course. Award paid in one lump sum.

Donor Information

A former trust established this fund to benefit secondary school students and students pursuing training at business, vocational, or technical schools.

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union's Community Giving Grants Program supports non-profit organizations focused on economic development and social well-being in New London and Windham counties. Grants prioritize initiatives in education, health, human services, housing, community development, and the arts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving these communities. The program reviews applications quarterly, with funding awarded to projects that demonstrate a significant community impact and address critical local needs.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Mueller HBCU Scholarship, supports undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities pursuing careers in the water sector. Offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship recognizes the vital role of future professionals in addressing water industry challenges. AWWA aims to invest in students who will contribute to sustainable water management and innovation within their communities.

The Proposition 1 and 68 Very Small Grants Program in California offers funding of less than $50,000 to support disadvantaged communities. This program prioritizes technical assistance, project planning, and high-need project implementation through a simplified application process. Grants are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with projects scoring 75% or higher being competitive. The initiative aims to enhance community resilience and secure matching funds for impactful projects.

The Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in the U.S. focused on environmental improvement. With two grants of $3,500 awarded annually, the program encourages initiatives like trail restoration and community educational projects. This grant aims to empower passionate individuals to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

The Trinity Second Century Foundation Grant aims to support underserved communities in Denver. With a history of awarding $70,000 in grants to local nonprofits, the foundation focuses on addressing critical needs such as housing, homelessness, and food security. This year's funding will empower organizations dedicated to these vital community services, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.