Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Proposition 1 and 68 Small Grants Program in California offers funding between $50,000 and $300,000 for projects that prioritize jump-start initiatives, project planning, and technical assistance for disadvantaged communities. Applications are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with competitive criteria requiring an average score of 70 percent or better. This program aims to support small design-build projects and secure matching funds, contributing to the enhancement of regional water quality and community resilience.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County Grant aims to enhance healthcare access for low-income residents through targeted programs for the uninsured and underinsured. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve program effectiveness, organizational sustainability, and collaboration among local healthcare providers. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, focusing on strategic areas such as clinical care, linkage to care, and systems capacity building, ultimately fostering better health outcomes in the community.

The Proposition 68 grant aims to enhance the Lower Los Angeles River and its tributaries, focusing on urban recreation and habitat restoration projects. It prioritizes workforce development and access for diverse populations, with a funding range of $300,000 to $2,000,000. The program allocates 80% for implementation, 10% for planning, and 10% for technical assistance, ensuring that 20% of funds serve disadvantaged communities, fostering sustainable development in the region.

Grants to Organizations Providing Emergency Assistance to Bostonians

Grant Description

The Trustees of Charitable Donations for Inhabitants of Boston (TOCD) is a public charitable trust. It is made up of small private funds that have been entrusted to the City of Boston to help residents facing financial hardship. 

The Trust Office works with partner organizations to efficiently distribute the TOCD funding and provide wraparound services and support to grantees. The TOCD Board is seeking qualified organizations for the regranting program. 

This application will determine which local non-profit charitable organizations are interested in and qualified to partner with TOCD and receive funds for emergency assistance grants to Bostonians for a one or three year period. These are not organizational grants; the majority of the funding should go directly to people in need, and will need to be closely tracked and reported on. Many of the funds making up TOCD have legal restrictions for both the purpose for which the funds are used and for characteristics of the recipients. 

The Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children provides financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations serving needy children in Virginia, particularly in the Western region and Roanoke Valley. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for first-time applicants, while returning grantees may receive up to $20,000. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and education of children, ensuring compliance with all grant conditions.

The Tribal Colleges Extension Program Special Emphasis (TCEP-SE) aims to enhance community engagement through pilot projects at 1994 Institutions, targeting issues like agricultural productivity, food systems, and public health. This program is open to a wide range of Tribal colleges and universities, promoting workforce development and youth involvement in agriculture. By addressing local needs, TCEP-SE fosters community vitality and prepares the next generation of Tribal agriculture leaders.

The Community Collaborative Research Grant Program (CCRG), supported by North Carolina Sea Grant and the William R. Kenan Jr. Institute, aims to address coastal issues through collaborative research. Proposals should engage local knowledge experts alongside scientific leaders, focusing on themes like healthy ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. Projects that benefit rural and underserved communities are prioritized. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on developing tools for resource management and enhancing community engagement.

The Colorado Health Foundation

The Colorado Health Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization that champions the overall health and well-being of every Coloradan. We do this by advocating for and investing in solutions and policies that drive health equity and racial justice.

Our mission is to improve the health of Coloradans. We believe that health and well-being can be in reach for everyone. So, every day, we collaborate with organizations and communities across the state to break down the many systemic inequities that stand in the way of health. When every Coloradan has the power to be healthy, our entire state is stronger.

Colorado Health Foundation: Advocacy Rapid Response Funding

Advocacy Rapid Response Funding aims to fund short-term advocacy initiatives (three-to-nine months in length) that ensure Coloradans’ interests and priorities are front and center in shaping policy decisions that will have long-term impacts on creating health equity in Colorado. Our Rapid Response funding focuses on advocacy work that reflects the following priorities:

• Creating equity in access to and use of high-quality, comprehensive primary care
• Supporting children to move their bodies safely and conveniently on a daily basis
• Enhancing services and supports that foster social-emotional development and resiliency of young children
• Ensuring teens and young adults have access to the resources they need to support healthy minds
• Ensuring adults have access to local recovery resources that promote healthy minds and productive lives
• Supporting access to affordable, safe and high-quality housing options

The Ceres Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance education and career pathways for historically underserved communities. With a commitment to measurable outcomes, the foundation prioritizes initiatives in college access, career pathways, and family strengthening. While currently not accepting new partnerships until Summer 2025, existing grantees can submit proposals for continued support. Grants typically average $70K annually, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and capacity building.

The Boettcher Foundation's Rural Catalyst Grants empower Colorado's rural communities by providing funding of $1,000 to $10,000 for capacity-building initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities can apply for support in areas like strategic planning, convening, and one-time operating costs. The foundation prioritizes organizations that enhance leadership and community collaboration, ensuring impactful projects that strengthen rural Colorado's future.

The Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in south-central and southeastern Wisconsin that promote strong families and healthy children. Each August, eligible organizations can apply for funding to help empower youth to achieve their dreams. This initiative not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a healthier future for generations to come, with award notifications sent out in November.

The Women’s 5K Classic Grants fund initiatives that educate and support women in preventing Breast and Gynecologic cancers while promoting fitness. Established in 1993, the program encourages women in the Lehigh Valley to engage in physical activities and raises awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. Grants support low-cost fitness programs, educational initiatives, and research efforts aimed at improving women's health and well-being, benefiting the community significantly.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, PA. Established in 1989, the Foundation seeks to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like conservation, health care, social services, and education. Applications should demonstrate community support and clear project goals. Note that grants do not cover all costs, and applications focused on political activities are discouraged. For more information, visit their website.

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 WBAL Radio Kids Campaign is dedicated to enhancing the lives of economically disadvantaged youth in its listening area. This initiative funds essential services and resources such as meals, educational materials, and recreational activities to support children's development. By prioritizing direct benefits to children, the campaign aims to foster educational and social growth, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of background. This commitment reflects the core values of community support and empowerment.

The 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program aims to tackle economic, health, and environmental issues in communities through innovative tree resource utilization. By transforming wood from various sources into valuable products like lumber and biochar, this initiative promotes local economies and enhances community resilience. Projects should align with community forestry plans, adhere to safety standards, and provide job creation opportunities, ultimately fostering sustainable urban forest management and utilization.

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 Philadelphia Chromosome Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Grant, offered by the Patient Advocate Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to patients facing this cancer type. It covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and insurance premiums, ensuring those affected can access necessary treatments. With a focus on personalized case management, the foundation has supported millions in navigating their healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of timely and affordable care for patients diagnosed with MPN.

Impact San Antonio Grants empower nonprofit organizations in the region by providing funding for initiatives that focus on Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Preservation, Family, and Health & Wellness. Since 2004, over $2.6 million has been awarded to impactful projects. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations operating within designated Texas counties, ensuring a significant positive contribution to their communities.

The 25 Squared Grant Initiative, in partnership with Square Financial Services, allocates $65,400 to support 25 Utah nonprofits dedicated to community development. Grants of at least $2,500 will be awarded, with an additional $5,000 for exceptional organizations in categories such as Best in Show and Small Business Excellence. This initiative promotes economic empowerment by focusing on small business development, affordable housing, and financial wellness, fostering a positive impact across the state.

The Open Space - River Corridors Grant in Washington supports projects that restore river ecosystems, enhance public access, and raise awareness of river corridors. With funding up to $1 million, it encourages multi-benefit projects that combine recreation and habitat restoration within King County's river systems, including the Duwamish and Green Rivers. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribal organizations, fostering community engagement in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

Greater Toledo Community Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. With over $510 million in assets across 1,000+ funds, we've granted more than $370 million to strengthen education, health, arts, and social services throughout our region.

We connect donors with causes they care about while bringing together leaders, organizations, and resources to tackle our community's biggest challenges. What began with Walter E. Terhune's vision in the 1920s continues today as we help individuals, families, and businesses create positive change that will benefit our region for generations.

Healthy Aging Fund

The Community Foundation is funding programs that help older adults (60+) stay healthy, connected and independent.

This initiative follows the Ohio Department of Aging's State Plan, shaped with input from the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. Priorities of the plan include cognitive health, chronic disease reduction, mental health, social inclusion, and nutrition access, plus engagement opportunities, physical activity, and preventive screenings. The plan is built on research and input from content-area experts.

The Foundation’s Focus

The Healthy Aging Fund is seeking proposals aligned with the State Plan and the Community Foundation's place-based priorities: programs that promote physical and mental health, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections for older adults.

The Community Foundation seeks to identify collaborative approaches that work well enough to scale. This is a chance for northwest Ohio providers to test new approaches and collaborations: the kind with real potential to increase impact for participants and move the needle on broader community goals.

Funding Priorities

• Multiple partners with complementary expertise, prioritizing diversity of resources across agencies
• Programs delivered through or including senior centers, community centers or long-term care facilities
• Diverse programming that reaches more participants
• Accommodations for specific needs — memory care, vision loss, etc.
• An educational component

The Community Foundation is seeking cross-agency partnerships that expand access to diverse programming and have real potential to scale. Available for projects up to two years. See more in the Grant Guidelines. 

The Adelaide Dawson Lynch Trust Grant, established in 1993 in memory of Adelaide Dawson Lynch, aims to support charitable organizations in Rhode Island providing essential food and shelter to economically disadvantaged citizens. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger amounts available for special initiatives. Eligible applicants must serve the Rhode Island community, focusing on housing, shelter, and human services.

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.

The Song-Brown Certified Nurse Midwifery Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aims to enhance the training of certified nurse midwives and licensed midwives. This grant prioritizes programs that successfully graduate individuals into underserved areas and support underrepresented groups in medicine. Funding opportunities include $13,000 per first-year student for existing slots and $75,000 for new expansion slots, promoting healthcare access in challenging communities.

The Song-Brown Licensed Midwifery Program in California aims to enhance healthcare access by funding accredited midwifery training programs. This initiative focuses on graduating midwives who will serve in medically underserved areas and prioritize diversity in enrollment. Grants of up to $500,000 are available to programs that meet specific criteria, including providing training in areas with high Medi-Cal recipient populations, thereby addressing healthcare disparities and fostering community health.