Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Agricultural Enterprise Fund

The Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is an incentive program that supports Governor Lee’s priority of job creation and economic development by facilitating agricultural development in Tennessee. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The AEF awards grants to starting or expanding agricultural, food, and forestry businesses; nonprofits, local governments, and other entities in Tennessee, or those whose project will be located in Tennessee. The program focuses on value-added and processing projects that benefit other producers or forest landowners.

Successful grant recipients must demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity or agricultural innovation.

Project Categories

Projects funded by the Agricultural Enterprise Fund must match the description of at least one of the following four categories. Many projects will potentially match the description of more than one category and applicants should indicate so on their application.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity For Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Departments 

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded funding through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF). This investment will empower Kentucky to launch and implement its Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) — a community-driven strategy to expand access and improve health outcomes for rural residents across the Commonwealth.

Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access

A key component of Kentucky’s Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative involves expansion of the PHDH teams that have been serving multiple counties in Kentucky since 2013. Through this grant opportunity, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to establish new or expand current PHDH teams to expand access to rural dental care. The newly created programs must demonstrate commitment to providing services including:

• Preventive dental hygiene services for children and adults
• Dental hygiene-focused oral health services for residents of long-term care settings as defined in Kentucky’s Dental Practice Act KRS 216B
• Teledentistry-enabled preventive care, education, triage, and care coordination

Program Objectives

Funded PHDH programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Increase access to school-based preventive dental hygiene services for all students, regardless of ability to pay.
• Deliver dental hygiene services in long term care facilities through teledentistry consultation with university dentists.
• Utilize teledentistry to expand access to care, improve quality and continuity of care, and enable more rural residents to stay in region for dental care and specialty consultations.
• Integrate Community Health Workers (CHWs) and/or social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings to support patient navigation and continuity of care.
• Achieve measurable improvements in oral health outcomes and service utilization.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to the provision of hygiene services to the aboveidentified populations within KRS 313. 

The New Mexico Ornithological Society (NMOS) offers two annual research grants, including the $1000 Ryan Beaulieu Research Grant, which honors Ryan Beaulieu and supports non-collection bird research. The NMOS Research Grant also provides $1000 for projects related to New Mexico's avifauna. Both grants require recipients to present their findings at an NMOS Meeting or submit an article to the NMOS Bulletin, with preference given to student applicants.

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.

New Jersey Heart and Stroke Grant

The New Jersey Heart and Stroke Grant works with partners to implement activities aimed at improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in New Jersey. 

Award amounts will be based on the availability of federal funds and may be subject to change.

Community Foundation of Mendocino County

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.

Kressa Jean Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund

Created by Sara and John Shepherd in memory of their daughter, Kressa, to support students with a passion for the arts (visual art, design, music, theater, and dance) who may or may not choose to study art at the college level.

The Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration for water quality improvement in Lancaster County by 2040. It supports diverse, watershed-scale projects, such as agricultural conservation and stormwater management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve county residents. Grants do not require a match, and funds can cover administrative costs. This initiative is critical for reducing pollution and ensuring healthy water systems in the community.

Pfizer 

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Colorectal Cancer Canada

Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC) is Canada’s patient led not-for-profit patient association dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness and education, support for patients and their caregivers, and advocacy on their behalf and aspires to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Canada while improving the quality of life of patients, their families and their caregivers. 

Driving Timely Biomarker Testing to Optimize Treatment Decisions for Colorectal Cancer Patients Across Canada

The intent of this RFP is to encourage the applicant Canadian organizations and institutions to pursue innovative approaches for Research or QI projects that aim to optimize biomarker testing for patients in CRC at the applicants’ centre. Applicants are invited to implement innovative ideas with the goal of creating a path for sustainable biomarker testing for mCRC patients in Canada.

• Applicants must submit a Research or QI project budget for a maximum of C$100,000. 

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Friends of the Island Fox Research Grant offers $7,000 to support research aimed at enhancing scientific understanding of island fox biology, health, behavior, and ecology. This funding is part of the Friends of the Island Fox's mission to ensure the long-term survival of this unique species. Applications are welcomed from researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge in these critical areas.

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

Prevention Block Grant

During the 2023 General Legislative Session, House Bill (H.B.) 16 Block Grant Funding for Prevention Programs in Public Education was passed allowing local education agencies (LEAs) to braid grant funding attached to the following sections of Code:

• Title 53G-9-702 - Suicide Prevention
• Title 53G-10-407 - Positive Behaviors Plan – Positive Behavior Specialist Stipend
• Title 53E-3-522 - Substance Abuse Prevention

It is the intent of the block grant to ensure that the requirements of each of the individual programs are honored, while allowing for LEAs to have the flexibility they need to have greater impact on students. As prevention funds are braided, LEAs will have the ability to intentionally target shared risk and protective factors while providing higher leverage, evidence-based practices that will have a greater reach and impact.

H.B. 16 (2023) also allows USBE to distribute excess funds in the Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program Restricted Account to LEAs through the prevention block grant. These funds are only available through the Block Grant.

LEAs who choose not to opt into the Prevention Block Grant Application may still apply for Substance Use Prevention funds within this same application.

Awarded funds are intended for tier 1 and tier 2 prevention activities and may be used for the following:

• Implementation of the comprehensive prevention plan.

Utah Code Section Title 53F-2-525: Block grant funding for prevention programs in public education

• Prevention-focused parent seminars.

Utah Code Section Title 53G-9-703: Parent education -- Mental health -- Bullying -- Safety

• To supplement specific prevention needs identified by the LEA and that can be justified through data.
• Other evidence-based prevention practices authorized by USBE.
• Prevention Science professional learning.
• Supplies and materials related to implementing prevention programs.

Please be aware that Prevention Block Grant funding is primarily meant for Tier 1 and Tier 2 prevention activities. Block Grant Funding is not intended to be used for mental health treatment services for students, or school safety needs (including school guardians and fire detection software). Funding is not intended to be used for mental health treatment services for students, or school safety needs (including school guardians and fire detection software). All funding requests must support the goals and strategies outlined in the LEA's comprehensive prevention plan. Please remember that the comprehension prevention plan needs to be designed with input from parents, students, educators and support staff.

About Pfizer External Research & Grants

Pfizer External Research & Grants (ER&G) supports independent research, education, and QI initiatives to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet need. Competitive grants are awarded through transparent RFPs reviewed by independent expert panels.

About ASCP

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the world’s largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals, with more than 100,000 members. ASCP provides excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients and the laboratory workforce. With a portfolio of more than 900 educational activities, ASCP is the worldwide leader in providing CME/CMLE credit for the entire laboratory team.

Quality Improvement in Molecular Testing Pathways for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. and with participation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, invites proposals for pathology-centric Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at optimizing molecular testing pathways in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This grant opportunity seeks to fund sustainable projects that improve biomarker testing practices, strengthen targeted therapy selection, and support care teams in implementing patient-centered protocols. 

The overarching goal of this program is to advance diagnostic excellence and improve treatment decision-making for patients with mCRC.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food. Our programs and activities are so varied and extensive, they touch the life of just about every Floridian.

Enhancing Gulf Waters through Forested Watershed Restoration - RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program

Introduction

The USDA Forest Service is providing funding to restore water quality and quantity through the implementation of forest management activities. This project is seeking applications for projects focused on restoring pine ecosystems and forest hydrology within the Florida project area.

The program is intended to target lands that have forests, are forests, once had forests or are capable of growing forests. This includes areas that might have been converted to farm or pastureland, burned by forest fires, cut-over, harvested, natural or planted pine stands, pine / hardwood stands or damaged byhurricanes.

Urban Forestry Grants

Eligible Projects for this Funding Opportunity

The intent of this funding is to assist state, local, and tribal governments in areas impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by improving mitigating post-storm threats to ecosystem functionality and providing technical assistance for rural and community forest restoration. All projects and purchases must be shown in each proposal to have a direct positive impact on the recovery of the affected areas. Proposal narratives must explicitly describe how activities will assist in the recovery in impacted areas. SCFC will prioritize funding for projects affected by Hurricane Helene. SCFC will make subawards as described below to FEMA disaster declared counties/communities in South Carolina under this supplemental funding opportunity.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Notice of Intent/Discharge Cost-Share Grants

Eligibility & Purpose:

The DNR and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offer cost-share funding grants to governmental units working with owners and operators of livestock operations to meet pollution control requirements imposed by the DNR.

The Turing Foundation offers Marine Nature Conservation Grants aimed at fostering sustainable relationships with nature. They focus on protecting marine nurseries in developing countries and combating climate change. While there is no open application process, organizations may be invited directly to submit proposals. It is encouraged to keep the foundation informed about relevant activities. This initiative highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity, particularly in vital ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves.

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 Facilities

​​​​​The Public Facilities Branch provides funding to primarily develop Kentucky's water and wastewater systems. As part of the Commonwealth's allocations from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated an estimate of $8,834,662 with designated maximum amounts for treatment plants and lines/pumps and tanks of CDBG funding per community. Self-help grants (maximum amount of $300,000 per project) are funded under this branch.

Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants through the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Act [505 ILCS 92] and Administrative Code Title 8: Agriculture and Animals Chapter I: Department of Agriculture Subchapter m: Marketing Programs Part 340 Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this program is for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

The General Assembly finds that the following conditions exist in this State:

• Small fruit, vegetable, and livestock farmers are vital to the health and wealth of Illinois communities, yet Illinois does not currently have infrastructure in place to support local food farmers or to feed Illinois communities.
• An estimated 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is purchased from outside of our borders, resulting in the export of billions of food dollars outside our State rather than the enhancement of our local food economies.
• A shift of just 10% toward local food purchasing by Illinois individuals, families, schools, institutions, and State agencies could generate billions in economic growth for our State.
• For Illinois families, businesses, schools, and institutions to shift their purchasing practices, Illinois must invest in supporting critical local food infrastructure needed to bolster processing, aggregation, and distribution of local food.

The General Assembly determines and declares that there exist conditions in the State that require the Department to issue grants on behalf of the State for the development of local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. (505 ILCS 92/10) Sec. 10 (a) and (b).

All grant funding provided under this Act must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

Opportunity Funding

• $3,600,000.00

Funding Sources

• State

Funding Source Description 

• This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 205 and Section 210. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,600,000. Awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000.

The State of South Carolina is an entitlement state, as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD, and receives federal formula funding to address housing and community development needs statewide. 

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program addresses the need for emergency shelter by funding shelters who provide services outlined by HUD to those who are currently homeless. The State Office of Economic Opportunity works closely with all four regional CoCs to identify needs and direct funds for emergency shelter services. 

The ESG program is a competitive grant issued each year to community-based shelters and traditional housing facilities, non-profit organizations that provide housing and counseling assistance to the state's homeless population and to those at-risk of becoming homeless.

The USDA Forest Service's Invasive Species Program funding opportunity invites proposals aimed at enhancing invasive species prevention. By leveraging existing research and knowledge, projects can create actionable solutions to protect American agriculture. This initiative seeks to connect scientific insights with practical regulatory improvements, thereby reducing the introduction and establishment of new invasive pests. Previous research, including horizon scanning and monitoring sentinel trees, serves as a foundation for developing effective strategies.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.

Iowa Fatherhood Initiative

The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide comprehensive fatherhood services, including family economic advancement, parenting education, access and visitation supports, financial literacy, and employment readiness programming to strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency. 

The Women’s Giving Alliance of South Lake, part of the Community Foundation of South Lake County, aims to inspire women to become strategic philanthropists. This initiative focuses on improving the lives of women and children in South Lake County through innovative solutions and measurable impacts. Local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for grants that will facilitate systemic change and address critical needs within the community. This program seeks to create a lasting positive influence on those served.

About Us

DCYF is a cabinet-level agency that works to support children, youth, and families. It oversees the state’s child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, and early care and education programs.

What We Do

Our work is focused on prevention and better outcomes for children, youth, and families.

DCYF manages state-funded programs that focus on early learning, prevention, and early intervention. Our goal is to support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children and youth. We also work with state and local partners, Tribes, and community groups across Washington state. Together, we focus on child safety, supporting families during difficult times, and helping them build skills to succeed.

DCYF oversees the state’s juvenile rehabilitation facilities and delivers treatment, provides resources, and develops skills through juvenile rehabilitation so young people can plan for their future and reenter their communities.

The agency provides oversight for licensed child care providers, group care, and licensed caregivers. 

Perinatal Mental Health Programs

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support communities interested in collaborative efforts meant to increase community-wide awareness and develop resources to support the mental health of families in the perinatal period, which may include the period immediately prior to pregnancy through 1-2 years postpartum.

Funding Focus

We invite proposals from organizations interested in increasing community awareness of perinatal mental health and creating resources for parents within their community. Community may be defined by the applicant. It can be based on a geographic area (e.g., city or county) or a shared experience relevant to perinatal mental health (e.g., families transitioning out of NICU).

The ultimate goals of this work are to reduce or eliminate negative impacts of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs); support all caregivers, families, and children in their optimal development; prevent child abuse and neglect; and promote healthy family development.

The Perinatal Mental Health work is a unique program that aims to influence change on a community level as well as provide support directly to parents experiencing perinatal mental health complications.

Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to bring together a group of diverse stakeholders to form a local Perinatal Mental Health Task Force to address perinatal mental health in their community. Stakeholders invited to join the Task Force must include representatives from outside the funded organization and may include, but are not limited to: public health providers, medical providers, mental health providers, childcare providers, community health organizations, parent educators, home visitors, early learning organizations, other social services providers, or parents. The Task Forces that communities convene should not have a clinical focus; rather, they should be aimed at community representatives and parents. Task Force members are expected to support community organizations.

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Community Arts Grant Program

The Community Arts Grants program (previously called Biennium Grants) supports eligible nonprofit 501(c)3 arts and culture organizations throughout the state. The grant awards funding to organizations supporting programs and projects that advance the arts, culture, and the humanities in the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.

The legal provisions of the Community Arts Grants are in Sections 9-11 through 9-18 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Each fiscal biennium grant budget is contingent on the State fiscal biennium and appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants awarded are subject to available funding for the fiscal year.

Grant Categories

Applicants may submit an application for a project to one of the following categories that align with the SFCA Strategic Priorities 2019-2023. Applicants can apply for one or both fiscal years, and the category and project can be the same or different for each year.

• Heritage/Preservation: Heritage and Preservation (Culture) projects are well grounded in the history of Hawaii and the living cultures in Hawaii. Amplify Hawaiian cultural arts, history, and heritage and support communities to advance cultural knowledge, build cultural capacity, and preserve cultural legacies.

• Community Arts, Community Development, Arts and Healing: Community Arts, Community Development, Arts & Healing (Engagement). Art-based community development projects that increase the creative capacity of rural communities and enhance opportunities to experience culture and the arts statewide and within rural communities and underserved populations.

• Arts Education: Arts Education (Education) provides educational opportunities in any arts discipline for arts in the school environment, out-of-school learning, Early Childhood Development, adult life-long learning, and professional development.

• Presenting & Performing Arts: Literacy Arts, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Performing Arts (The Arts). Projects support programs or activities of organizations that present artists in performances, exhibitions, in-residency settings, online format, and televised broadcasts. 

A Community Arts Grant can be requested in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A 1:1 match is required. This is a reimbursement grant program.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas