Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Debra Wegman Grant, offered by the Shiawassee Community Foundation, supports various charitable programs including healthcare, education, arts, community improvement, and youth initiatives. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt non-profits, schools, and municipalities. The fund aims to meet unmet needs in the community, particularly focusing on beautification projects and programs for seniors and youth, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

NMDA is a producer-consumer service and regulatory department responsible for various statutes legislated since its inception. NMDA’s mandate has changed over the years in response to changes in population, the needs of agribusiness, and technological advancements. NMDA remains committed to serving its constituents by periodically reviewing statutes and fee structures, as well as offering compliance assistance and education in an effort to maintain a safe and secure food supply, promote a fair marketplace, and secure our natural resources.

Noxious Weed Management Grant

Purpose

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) will award competitive grants to eligible applicants for projects that improve the state’s economy and environment by managing noxious weeds in New Mexico. The grants are funded through New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to achieve the purposes of the New Mexico Noxious Weed Management Act. 

Grant funds will be awarded for the following activities, but must include activities in at least one of the first three bullets bolded below to be considered for funding:

• Surveying & Mapping
• Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
• Integrated Weed Management (On-the-Ground-Treatments)
• Education/Outreach
• Planning, Capacity Development, & Partnership Building

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship State Property Development Grant Program provides $500,000 annually to support friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in enhancing state property facilities. Grants can reach up to $20,000 per project, with a focus on nature-based outdoor recreation and habitat restoration. Eligible projects must align with DNR plans and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term benefits. Successful applicants must comply with grant conditions and manage shared project costs effectively.

The WV Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to conserve vital forest areas in West Virginia that are at risk of being transformed into non-forest land. Through a conservation easement, property owners can sell or donate their development rights while retaining other ownership rights. The program operates on a 75:25 matching basis, with the West Virginia Division of Forestry managing the conservation easements to ensure that these lands continue to function as working forests.

The Leslie Brown Memorial Grant offers up to $5,000 in financial assistance aimed at promoting research and sharing knowledge about African birds of prey. This grant honors Leslie Brown, a renowned raptor conservation biologist, and aims to support projects that directly involve the primary author in research relevant to African raptors. It also waives page charges for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research, ensuring that awardees can disseminate their findings effectively.

The Illinois Ornithological Society Grant Program, established in 2004, aims to foster scientific research and education about birds in Illinois. Since its inception, it has awarded 140 grants totaling over $137,000 to students, professionals, and organizations engaged in bird-related projects. Eligible applicants must be IOS members and can propose projects that promote research, education, accessibility, and equity in the avian field, thereby enhancing public awareness of Illinois' birdlife.

The Rapid Response Opioid and Pain Management ECHO Funding Opportunity by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) aims to enhance clinician training in effective pain management strategies. This initiative focuses on non-opioid treatments, substance use screening, and risk reduction counseling, promoting compassionate care while addressing public health challenges and ensuring continuity for patients affected by prescription disruptions. The program seeks to improve overall health outcomes and reduce risks associated with opioid use.

About OJP

The Office of Justice Programs provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims.

Crime victim services grants

Description of the program

Crime victim services are crucial, life-saving resources for victims and a key element of public safety. The Office of Justice Programs’ Crime Victim Services Grants Unit distributes approximately $60 million in state and federal funds annually to 170 agencies throughout Minnesota to provide direct advocacy services to victims of crime. Federal funding in the program includes Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Family Violence Prevention and Service Act (FVPSA).

2027 Crime Victim Services

Request for proposals (RFP)

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit applications for funding to provide direct services to crime victims in Minnesota. Funded grantees are expected to be a resource in their community and provide crime victim services as detailed in the Program Standards under which they are funded.

The NBC Conservation Fund Grant offers financial support for conservation projects in the Neotropics, focusing on globally threatened species or important sites. Eligible applicants can receive small grants up to $1,500 or medium grants up to $3,000. The fund prioritizes projects that promote local engagement and collaboration with conservation agencies, ensuring a direct impact on species and habitat conservation. This grant is ideal for initiatives aiming to enhance environmental education and community involvement in conservation efforts.

The Building Better Lives Grant, offered by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aims to empower local leaders and communities through innovative, community-led solutions. By prioritizing engagement, collaboration, equity, and sustainability, the grant supports projects that strengthen families, promote health and wellness, cultivate welcoming communities, enhance economic mobility, and build nonprofit capacity. Together, these efforts contribute to a more resilient and thriving region.

The Operating Support Grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts offers funding for nonprofit arts organizations in Alaska. This grant supports ongoing artistic and administrative functions, including salaries, travel, and production costs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with a minimum annual budget of $50,000 and demonstrate a commitment to arts programming. Grant applications are limited to one per fiscal year, promoting sustainability and cultural heritage within the Alaska arts community.

The Frank Reed & Margaret Jane Peters Memorial Fund I Grant supports educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, particularly youth and children. Established in the 1930s, it typically offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, excluding support for the Summer Fund. Grant requests for general operating support are encouraged, with a preference for one-year projects, although multi-year support may be considered.

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources’ (OER) mission is to lead the state toward a clean, affordable, reliable, and equitable energy future. OER develops policies and programs that respond to the state's evolving energy needs, while advancing environmental sustainability, energy security, and a vibrant clean energy economy. OER is committed to working with public- and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have access to cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions.

Agricultural Energy Grant Program

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) request Rhode Island Agricultural Operations to submit applications seeking funding for energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The following clean energy investments and technologies will be considered eligible for this program, so long as each proposed project meets all program requirements.

• Renewable Energy: Photovoltaics (PV); Small Scale Wind; Biomass; Energy Storage
• Energy Efficiency: Envelope Insulation; LED Lighting; HVAC Systems (especially heat pump technologies); Automatic Temperature Controls; Variable Speed Motors, Drives, & Pumps; Solar Thermal

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

MCH Strategic Inititatives Funding

The Indiana Department of Health Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division is accepting applications to fund organizations to implement MCH programs focused on reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for maternal, child, and adolescent health.

Purpose of MCH Strategic Initiatives Funding

This funding opportunity’s purpose is to support Indiana’s goal of improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes by funding competitive grants for community-driven projects that address their unique needs and the MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities. This opportunity is a two-year, performancebased grant. At the end of the first two project years, a performance award opportunity (up to the original awarded amount) will be available for those recipients that demonstrate improvement in their selected outcomes. 

MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities

• Reduce Preventable Deaths and Advance Quality of Life
• Focus on Upstream Opportunities and Strategies
• Improve physical health and strengthen mental, social, and emotional well-being
• Promote protective factors and uplift Hoosiers families
• Foster Reciprocal Communication and Strategic and Sustainable Collaboration
• Address Community Health Factors and Systems that Influence Health Status and Behaviors
• Enhance Approaches to Operations, Data, and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a proposal for programs that aim to address infant mortality, birth outcomes, or other MCH priorities. This proposal must also identify the population and area they plan to impact. 

Wilson Ornithological Society

The earliest stages of the Wilson Ornithological Society’s development began with the formation of the “Young Ornithologists’ Association,” initiated in 1886 under the leadership of L. O. Pindar and J. B. Richards. They began as a corresponding group of naturalists interested in birds, with notes published in The Oölogist.

Soon after, the Society acquired a constitution and established itself in December 1888 as the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association. The fledgling group was named in honor of Alexander Wilson, considered the Father of American Ornithology. Its original purpose was “the study of birds, their nests, and eggs.”

Over the subsequent decades, the group—eventually becoming known as the Wilson Ornithological Club—published its proceedings and articles under a series of diverse titles, culminating in The Wilson Bulletin after 1894 and, most recently, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Club adopted its Constitution and Bylaws in 1930 and became the Wilson Ornithological Society in 1955.

Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award

The Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award recognizes outstanding contributions by Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) members working in applied, non-research careers that advance the conservation of birds and their habitats. This award also celebrates professionals whose work fosters a stronger and more inclusive conservation community, through management, education, communication, advocacy, or community engagement.

Purpose

This award highlights the diverse pathways through which people contribute to lasting ornithology and avian conservation beyond academic research. It honors those whose efforts build bridges between science, management, and the public; inspire action for birds; provide mentorship or leadership to build capacity; and promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the bird conservation community.

Examples of Qualifying Contributions

• Developing and implementing habitat management or conservation plans.
• Creating tools, educational materials, or outreach programs that promote bird conservation.
• Leading advocacy, communications, or storytelling that inspires conservation action.
• Building partnerships or community engagement initiatives that strengthen conservation impact.
• Advancing conservation policy or planning at local, regional, or national scales.

Award and Presentation

The recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, where they will be invited to share their work with attendees. The award includes:

• A monetary honorarium
• An original piece of artwork from an early-career artist
• Coverage of meeting registration, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses

The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant, offered by HawkWatch International, supports crucial projects focused on raptor conservation in high-priority regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. With funding available up to $2,500, the grant encourages applications from local citizens associated with NGOs or universities. Preference is given to projects that address knowledge gaps and have a significant impact on conservation efforts, particularly those led by early-career researchers in low-income countries.

Project Bread's School Breakfast Grant Program aims to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to nutritious meals through innovative breakfast solutions. By starting or expanding programs like Breakfast After the Bell, schools can significantly increase breakfast participation. The program provides essential support and resources to help schools assess their needs and implement effective strategies for enhancing breakfast accessibility, ultimately fostering a healthier school community.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Urban Forestry Development Grant

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pass-through partner for the Urban Forestry Development grants for communities.

The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. The grant is a two-year program.

The Urban Forestry Development grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to improve management, care, and public engagement with trees growing in parks, natural areas, and along public rights-of-way. Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits.

The ArtsKC Inspiration Grant supports individual artists and small groups in the Kansas City metropolitan area by funding ambitious projects that foster growth and positive community impact. With disciplines ranging from visual arts to theater, these project grants encourage creativity and innovation. In Spring 2024, ArtsKC awarded 12 grants totaling $30,000, with a 14% acceptance rate. Eligible artists must be over 18 and demonstrate professional achievement in their art form.

Who We Are

Advancing Wisconsin to be the healthiest state in the nation

AHW provides funding and resources to researchers, organizations, and communities devoted to improving the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Call for Applications:

Community-Led Seed Grants

AHW’s Call for Applications: Community-Led Seed Grants supports community-driven efforts to design new strategies, test innovative ideas, and foster greater collaboration to build a foundation for future endeavors to address Wisconsin’s leading health challenges and produce deeper impact on health and health equity in Wisconsin’s communities. Eligible community-based organizations may request up to $50,000 for projects completed within a 12-month period, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

To foster a collaborative approach to award selection, applicants will participate in a peer review process to assess proposals submitted to this funding opportunity by their fellow applicants. For the submitted application to be considered for funding, completion of all assigned reviews is required.

Following funding determinations, successful community-led applicant teams will be matched with an eligible MCW faculty member from a pre-formed pool developed through the Call for MCW Academic Partner for Community-Led Grants to serve as an additional resource to the funded community-led projects. 

Better Beaches Grant Program

Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region’s public beaches through free events and programs on DCR beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull. 

The goal of the Better Beaches Grant Program is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces. We do this by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces. 

Whether you are part of an organization, collective, or are a creative individual with a vision for a more diverse and activated waterfront, the Better Beaches Grant Program may be for you! Grant applicants can come from any community, so long as their proposed event takes place on one of our region’s public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull. 

For the 2026 beach season, we will be allocating over $300,000 in small grants ranging from $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee.

What we fund?

The Better Beaches Grant Program supports a diverse range of public events and programs that celebrate and engage communities on Boston Harbor beaches. 

Grant funds must go toward events and programs that: 

• Are FREE to the public
• Take place on DCR public beaches and beachfront parks. For a full list of which beaches and beach-front parks, see below. 
• Happen between June 1 – September 30, 2026

Better Beaches grant funds can support a wide variety of events, including: youth and family fun days, cultural festivals, science and learning programs, music and dance events, kayaking, swimming, fishing, book groups and literacy programs, community resources, art classes and markets, self-care and wellness events, fitness and sports classes, and more. Get creative! Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings.

The Colorado Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by the Colorado State Forest Service, aims to protect vital private forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses. By focusing on conservation easements, the program promotes sustainable forestry practices and preserves significant ecological habitats. It encourages public and private partnerships to maintain forest integrity while allowing landowners to retain ownership. Priorities include reducing land fragmentation and safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitats, and unique ecological zones.

The Leola Osborn Trust Grant provides essential support for mentally disabled and underprivileged children and young adults in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Established in 1968, the Trust offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, awarding 1-2 grants annually to charitable organizations that assist individuals under the age of 22. Eligible applicants must be located within 10 miles of Tonkawa, ensuring the local community benefits from this vital funding.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) provides low-cost financing for water projects that ensure compliance with drinking water standards. With year-round funding, eligible applicants such as public and nonprofit water systems can secure assistance for planning, design, and construction of water infrastructure. For FY 2024, $435 million is available, including $95 million in principal forgiveness. Applications open in December and close in March, requiring submission of a Project Information Form.

The Fall Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at BIOS offers U.S. undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in marine research funded by the National Science Foundation. Participants will work on projects such as coral ecophysiology and marine microbiology under expert mentorship. This internship not only enhances research skills but also promotes diversity by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Funding covers travel, accommodation, meals, and a stipend, making it an accessible option for aspiring scientists.

The State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) Program provides affordable financial assistance for projects outlined in the state water plan. Managed by the Texas Water Development Board, it offers low-interest loans and flexible repayment options to support water management strategies. Eligible projects include conservation, desalination, and infrastructure development. The program aims to optimize water supplies efficiently and effectively, particularly benefiting rural communities and agricultural water conservation efforts.