Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The SLOCCF General Grant Program, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, provides unrestricted funding to local nonprofits serving the community. This competitive grant process involves a thorough review by an external committee focused on enhancing access to opportunities and dismantling disparities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents and hold a valid 501(c)(3) status. Grants are available for arts, environment, health, and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The CFGDM Leadership Grants aim to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines by supporting projects that align with community needs and promote equity. These grants focus on critical areas such as housing, health, economic development, and community engagement. By fostering collaborative efforts and addressing systemic barriers, the program seeks to create lasting positive change and empower local organizations to make a significant impact on community issues.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

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.

Minnesota GreenCorps

Serving communities for a greener tomorrow

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the MPCA, aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

Each year, the program places AmeriCorps members with host site organizations around the state to build community resilience by:

• reducing air pollutants and improving air quality
• reducing water runoff and improving water and land quality
• preventing waste and increasing recycling
• encouraging eco-friendly behavior

Minnesota GreenCorps members serve full-time at their host site for 11 months, from September to August each year. Members implement environmental projects to build community resilience in one of four topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, waste reduction and recycling. Sample projects include activities such as coordinating multi-modal transportation events, educating community members and youth, removing invasive species, installing rain gardens, benchmarking energy, conducting waste sorts, and more. 

Host Sites

As a host site, your organization can harness a member's energy and enthusiasm to move your environmental projects forward. Member projects must align with one of four topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction and recycling. Host sites don't pay a fee to participate in the program but are expected to provide supervision, office space, internet and phone service, training, and any resources necessary for members to accomplish their projects. The MPCA manages the recruitment, application, and selection process for Minnesota GreenCorps members.

The NV Energy Foundation Grants program, starting in March 2025, invites 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Nevada to submit an open Letter of Interest (LOI) once annually. This initiative aims to fund impactful community programs, emphasizing environmental conservation, education, and public safety. Successful LOIs will lead to funding decisions in July and December, fostering collaboration and volunteer involvement while promoting community awareness of the Foundation's philanthropic efforts.

The AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship supports women from under-served communities to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, a field known for its lack of diversity. It offers $2,500 to three upper-division and $500 to one lower-division undergraduate student, along with a one-year AWG membership. Recipients can also be matched with mentors, enhancing their educational journey and career prospects in geoscience disciplines. This initiative aims to promote inclusion and diversity in the geoscience workforce.

The CCCF: Fall Community Grants support local organizations in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties, offering two funding options totaling $50,800. Eligible applicants include 501c3, 501c4, or 501c6 organizations, focusing on health, human services, and community development. The average grant awarded in 2023 was $1,600, aimed at fostering community vitality and resilience through diverse initiatives.

The Michael J. Connell Foundation Grant supports a variety of initiatives in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area, focusing on cultural, educational, environmental, and medical endeavors. The foundation emphasizes performing and visual arts, environmental preservation, and healthcare access for under-resourced groups. Grants are available for programs that align with these priorities, including arts education and community health projects. However, funding is limited to specific criteria and does not support unsolicited applications or multi-year grants.

Idaho Power Company is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through financial and in-kind contributions that support various local initiatives. Their approach emphasizes accountability while balancing the needs of their customers and shareholders. The organization focuses on health services, education, arts, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and diverse community support. Idaho Power aims to foster inclusive practices and timely responses to contribution requests, ultimately enriching the quality of life in the regions they serve.

The Community Outreach Steering Committee Grant aims to enhance community health in Waukesha County by funding non-profit organizations that focus on evidence-based practices. This grant supports initiatives that address social determinants of health, foster collaboration, and specifically benefit marginalized communities. Eligible projects may include educational, employment, health, and safety programs that improve overall health outcomes. Note that funding is not provided for individual benefits or political campaigns.

The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund Grant aims to empower youth, advance technology, and foster community progression within the jewelry industry. Established in 1913 by jewelers, the fund supports nonprofit organizations that inspire the next generation through arts education, enhance the industry with technological innovations, and drive positive community development. Focused primarily on areas where employees reside, it also considers broader giving opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact on lives and communities.

The Impact100 Little Traverse Bay Grant Program supports nonprofits in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, focusing on community improvement in areas such as Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Wellness, Education, and Family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities based in these counties, with funds exclusively used within the region. The program promotes innovative initiatives that enhance life quality while ensuring sustainability and accountability through periodic progress reports.

The IronMountain Solutions Employee Peaks Fund, established in 2018 in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, supports local non-profits. With over $400,000 donated by employees, the fund prioritizes quality of life initiatives such as arts, basic needs, economic opportunity, education, environment, health, and community development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving the Huntsville area, ensuring services are accessible to all community members.

Department of Conservation

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

Department of Conservation Funding Opportunities

The Department of Conservation offers communities and partners a number of grant and cost-share options to assist with everything from green development to wildlife habitat to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Community Conservation Cost-Share

MDC’s Community Conservation Cost-Share Program promotes sustainable development practices and the establishment of natural resource conservation practices in municipal and developing areas.

Eligible Practices

Cost-share is authorized for activities such as native grass and pollinator plantings, forest and woodland management, invasive species control, and aquatic resource management. In addition, other practices eligible for cost-share include urban green space planning, engineered drawings, and training of staff on conservation-related programs.

The Community Foundation of Howard County offers Strategic Grants to support initiatives that enhance community well-being. Focus areas include mental health, economic growth, and cultural diversity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities benefiting Howard County residents. The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity and aims to remove barriers to access services. Notably, grants are not awarded for individual projects or prior costs. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation before submission.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

The Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital Community Grant Program aims to support organizations enhancing community health through collaborative practices in Manitowoc County. Grants up to $25,000 are available for non-profits addressing priority health needs and social determinants, focusing on underserved populations. The program encourages initiatives that improve health status, promote education, employment, safety, and foster collaboration among organizations while aligning with community health improvement priorities.

The Climate Resilience Grant Program in California aims to enhance community resilience and capacity by funding multi-benefit, nature-based solutions addressing climate change impacts. This initiative prioritizes projects related to urban and non-urban forest resilience, habitat restoration, and wildfire prevention, contributing to California's goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. Grants typically range from $300,000 to $2,000,000, supporting crucial climate adaptation efforts.

The Oregon Wildlife Foundation Grants support the conservation of fish and wildlife and the enjoyment of natural resources in Oregon. These small grants are available to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, tax-exempt organizations, and qualified individuals for projects focused on habitat restoration, public access improvement, education, pollution reduction, and invasive species control. Priority is given to projects that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The William Swanston Charitable Fund supports children in Mahoning and Trumbull counties facing crises, focusing on those affected by abuse, neglect, or dependency. In 2024, the fund prioritizes innovative projects aimed at reducing disparities in health, education, and child welfare. This initiative aims to empower children by addressing systemic challenges and fostering equitable opportunities for success, ensuring that their potential is recognized and nurtured within the community.

The MI Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to enhance existing conservation efforts on working lands in Michigan. It provides tailored plans to improve agriculture, grazing, and wildlife habitats while offering financial assistance for sustainable practices. With no minimum acreage requirement, the program supports various land types, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations. Participants experience increased resilience to market fluctuations, reduced input needs, and improved environmental conditions, making it a vital resource for sustainable agricultural operations.

The Social Services Grant Program, offered by the City of Naperville, aims to enhance community welfare through financial support for social services. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for funding to address local needs in areas such as emergency assistance, mental health, and youth services. Emphasizing transportation and mental health initiatives, the program encourages organizations to demonstrate community impact and ongoing fundraising efforts. This program operates annually, with assessments conducted to align funding priorities with emerging community needs.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

The Wildlife Habitat Grant, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, supports County Conservation Boards in acquiring and developing land for wildlife habitat. This program offers cost-sharing of up to 75% for eligible projects, which must meet specific criteria, including being open to hunting and trapping. It aims to enhance Iowa's natural resources and promote sustainable practices among communities while ensuring that acquired lands are not used for incompatible activities.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants offer up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories. Focused on themes like regeneration and eco-social engagement, the grants encourage projects that address ecological issues through ethical engagement. For the 2025 cycle, over $520,000 will be distributed, doubling previous funding. Eligible applicants must be 18+, lead artists, and not enrolled in degree programs during the grant term.

The FL Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by the USDA NRCS supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation practices. This program offers tailored plans to improve land management, increase crop resilience, and develop wildlife habitats. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices and can opt for bundles that offer higher payment rates. CSP is vital for enhancing natural resources while supporting sustainable agricultural operations across Florida.