Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Illinois Department of Agriculture

Mission Statement: The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be an advocate for Illinois' agricultural industry and provide the necessary regulatory functions to benefit consumers, agricultural industry, and our natural resources. The agency will strive to promote agri-business in Illinois and throughout the world.​

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Implementation Grant

Description 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is implementing the agricultural portion of the inaugural Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program, known as Climate Smart Agriculture Program. The intent of the program is to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till practices through the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan.

Subrecipient applications will be selected on a first come, first served basis, per county, such that the first application per county will be prioritized up to a 3,000-acre cap per application, pending qualification and verification. If there are remaining program funds after the first application per county is verified, the second application per county will be prioritized up to a 3,000-acre cap per application, and so on.

The Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) offers $250 million annually in funding to enhance transportation, environmental, and community access improvements aimed at reducing congestion in California. Created by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, this competitive program invites regional agencies to propose projects that align with comprehensive corridor plans, focusing on safety, accessibility, and environmental benefits while fostering collaboration with local partners.

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

The Liberty Mutual Foundation offers discretionary grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on those that empower low-income youth and young adults. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic framework and serves communities in Greater Boston and select areas in Washington State. Funding is not available for individuals, religious organizations, or those who have received support in the last 12 months, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community-driven projects.

Virginia Natural Gas offers a Charitable Giving program focusing on children and education, particularly supporting programs that assist those with physical, medical, or educational challenges. Emphasizing STEM initiatives for K-12 students, the grant is available to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations in their service area. However, they do not fund individuals, religious organizations, or private K-12 schools, ensuring their contributions make a meaningful impact in the community.

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.

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.

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 C. Scott & Dorothy E. Watkins Charitable Foundation Grant supports new organizations in Utah focusing on education, health care, and community services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profits serving local areas. The foundation prioritizes programs promoting self-reliance through scholarships and humanitarian aid. Applications are accepted annually until August 15, with notifications by November 30. Notably, it does not fund endowments or multi-year pledges, ensuring targeted support for immediate community needs.

The C. Scott and Dorothy E. Watkins Charitable Foundation supports educational, research, and charitable organizations in Utah. Focused on promoting self-reliance, the foundation provides financial assistance for local programs in education, healthcare, and community support. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and serve the Utah area. The foundation does not fund endowments, capital campaigns, or political lobbying, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful local initiatives.

The Robotic Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, provides up to $150,000 over two years for innovative research in colorectal surgery and robotics. Emphasizing education, health equity, and novel techniques, the grant supports projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada, with a focus on scientific rigor. Applications must be submitted by ASCRS members who are principal investigators, ensuring alignment with ethical research standards.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program, established by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports local nonprofits in creating healthy and inclusive communities. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 target projects that address basic needs, health navigation, and opportunities for women and girls. This initiative fosters equitable access to resources, ensuring all residents can thrive. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least five days ahead of deadlines, with specific eligibility criteria in place.

The Southwest Badger Natural Resource Conservation Grant supports initiatives in southern Wisconsin that aim to protect and restore natural resources. Targeting counties like Crawford and Grant, this grant encourages 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities to apply for funding up to $3,500. The grant is managed by community volunteers from The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, ensuring projects align with conservation goals for future generations.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, including the River of the Year initiative, aim to enhance public awareness and conservation efforts for designated rivers. Local organizations can apply for a $15,000 grant to support year-long activities celebrating the honored river. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions, with a focus on engaging communities in outdoor recreation and resource protection. This program has recognized rivers since 1983, fostering environmental stewardship and community involvement.

The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons offers a Career Development Award to support early career investigators in colorectal surgery. With a funding of $75,000 per year for two years, this award emphasizes mentorship and career growth. Applicants must be within five years of their first faculty position and demonstrate innovative research in colon and rectal diseases. The award aims to enhance academic careers while fostering advancements in surgical techniques.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives.

Habitat Reclamation

• Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

Renewable Energy

• We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

Soil

• Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Tree Planting

• Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.  

• Water
• We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

John Harsch Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Funding for projects adopting best regenerative agricultural management practices that impact one or several of these areas:

• Improve water quality
• Reduce soil erosion
• Increase soil health index
• Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
• Increase effective manure use as a fertilizer
• Increase biodiversity
• Reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions

The Mumford & Keller Grant and Scholarship Program, initiated by Indiana Audubon in 2010, offers financial support for projects focusing on natural resources and Indiana's birdlife. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it aims to promote conservation, research, and education. Priority is given to initiatives targeting key species and habitats within Indiana. This program honors the legacy of Russell Mumford and Charles Keller, enhancing bird conservation efforts for future generations.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

The Berkeley County Industrial Park Development Fund Grant, provided by the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies in Berkeley County. Funding, typically between $2,000 and $12,000, aims to foster economic development, business creation, workforce training, and job skills enhancement, thereby contributing to community growth and prosperity.

The Waste Tire Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, supports local governments and schools in purchasing tire-derived products made from recycled materials. Eligible projects must use at least 50% waste tire material. Applicants must be in good standing, comply with safety regulations, and meet match requirements. The program aims to promote sustainable practices and enhance playground safety through the use of innovative materials derived from waste tires.

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.

The General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant aims to engage General Surgery Residents in research related to colorectal diseases. With an annual funding of $20,000, this grant supports both clinical and laboratory-based research. It is geared towards residents or recent graduates of approved General Surgery programs, prioritizing those with aspirations in Colon and Rectal Surgery. This initiative fosters innovative research to enhance patient care and surgical techniques in the field.

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.

The Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 in honor of a dedicated fire emergency medical specialist, supports Hawaii Island high school graduates pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Preference is given to previous recipients and those studying in fire-related fields. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for future leaders in emergency services.

The Eugene Salvati, MD, Limited Project Grant, offered by the Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, supports clinical research in colorectal surgery. This grant aims to honor Dr. Salvati's legacy by funding innovative projects that improve patient care. With a maximum funding of $25,000 for one year, it emphasizes investigator-initiated research conducted within the U.S. or Canada, encouraging collaboration among ASCRS members and adherence to ethical review board protocols.

Curtis Marvin Hohn Endowment

To provide financial support to South Dakota students attending an in-state institution of higher learning and that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Applicants for the Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship will reflect the values that embodied Curt Hohn's life. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal integrity, individual character, and courage
• Leadership in school and community
• Demonstrated involvement in civic affairs
• Participation in organizations that shape the school and community
• Individual leadership to reform policies that benefit the public good of the school and community
• Demonstrated work ethic in the school and community
• Demonstrated interest in national and global issues that impact the public interest
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Curtis M. Hohn, a prominent figure in South Dakota's water policy landscape, renowned for his service as a public servant, community activist, and leader. Curtis held several key positions, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator George McGovern, directing the United Family Farmers organization, and managing the Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict. He played a crucial role in assessing the Oahe Irrigation Project and negotiating legislative settlements for alternative water projects. Moreover, Curtis led negotiations between the local Oahe Subdistrict with Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the implementation of South Dakota's first major pipeline project utilizing Missouri River water.

Curt was an avid reader of history. His lifetime commitment of political courage and public service are reflected in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, a man Curt deeply admired and often quoted - "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.