Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Drown Foundation Grant, offered by the Joseph Drown Foundation, focuses primarily on enhancing education in Los Angeles. The foundation supports programs addressing educational equity, including charter schools and teacher development, while also funding community health and social services. They prioritize initiatives that help economically disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers to success. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and the foundation does not fund individuals or religious programs.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) supports environmental initiatives across the Americas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, justice, and sustainable development. They prioritize programs that align with these aims, particularly those involving 501(c)(3) organizations. MCFA seeks to empower marginalized communities, promote ecological stewardship, and encourage sustainable economic practices, ensuring that environmental burdens are shared equitably across all communities.

The Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF) offers grants to enhance the quality of life for Sanilac County residents. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and faith-based organizations that address community needs. The foundation supports various areas such as arts, education, health, and youth projects. While it encourages innovative community solutions, it does not fund religious purposes, political activities, or loans. Grants aim to benefit a wide range of community members.

The Energy Sponsorship Program (MI) offers funding to Michigan-based organizations for events focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. With a minimum of $250,000 available, grants can reach up to $10,000 for events or $250,000 for research. Successful applicants must provide a 1:1 match and share event materials with EGLE. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

The Sandbulte Family Higher Education Endowment Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to bridge the Opportunity Gap through innovative proposals in science, engineering, and business education. This fund focuses on enhancing student support systems, improving transitions from high school to higher education, and fostering partnerships between educational institutions and the workforce. Eligible organizations include the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, and the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The I Tatti/Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship supports early- to mid-career scholars focusing on cross-cultural interactions between Italy and the East Christian world, including Byzantium and North Africa. This residential fellowship spans the 2025-2026 academic year, with fellows spending the fall at I Tatti in Florence and the spring at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC. Successful candidates must have a PhD, demonstrate proficiency in English and Italian, and engage in research that contributes to the understanding of Italian Renaissance and Byzantine Studies.

The Arthur and Lila Weinberg Artist-in-Residence Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports independent researchers like writers, artists, and filmmakers, providing a stipend of $3,000 for one month of access to its rich collections. This fellowship is designed for those outside traditional academic settings and encourages projects focused on social justice and reform. Open to international scholars, it aims to foster creativity and scholarly work at one of Chicago's historic cultural institutions.

The Winona Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at addressing critical needs in the Winona area, supporting a variety of charitable organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies within a fifteen-mile radius of Winona. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community wellbeing, environmental conservation, and public access to nature. Note that grant recipients from cycle 2 of 2023 are ineligible for this cycle, and only one application per nonprofit is accepted annually.

The D3 URJGENT Grants, initiated in 2021 by the County of Santa Clara, support local organizations addressing critical needs like racial justice, equity, and homelessness. Designed for grassroots efforts, the grants prioritize project-based proposals that enhance community well-being. With a rolling review process, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the grant's objectives and funding tiers, which vary based on annual budget limits. This initiative aims to uplift smaller organizations making a significant impact in the community.

The Trust for Mutual Understanding Grant supports exchanges in the arts and environment between U.S. professionals and those from 29 countries, including Albania and Ukraine. This grant is open to American nonprofit organizations and focuses on fostering collaborations that enhance professional interaction and community engagement. Funding can be used for both in-person and virtual exchanges, covering costs like travel, accommodation, and administrative expenses. Note that applications reopen on December 1, 2025, for projects starting July 1, 2026.

The Graduate Education Fund: AUKUS Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, supports American and Australian citizens pursuing full-time graduate studies in security, technology, and diplomacy. With up to $40,000 in funding for tuition and living expenses, this scholarship encourages innovative research in critical fields, particularly in relation to the AUKUS initiative. Applications are open biannually, fostering educational exchange and collaboration between the two nations.

The Bicknell Fund Grant aims to enhance the well-being of mankind through charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1949 by Warren Bicknell and his family, the fund focuses primarily on Health and Human Services, aiding the homeless and disadvantaged in Cleveland, with additional support for education and the arts. Grants are available to local 501(c)(3) organizations, fostering a collaborative relationship with the community. The fund does not support individuals, multi-year pledges, or political advocacy.

The Patricia and Nicolaas Kortlandt Memorial Fund Grant, offered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Fauquier County. Nonprofits can apply for grants that support operating expenses amid the pandemic, addressing basic human needs, promoting arts, and preserving community assets. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations committed to nondiscrimination. The fund aims to empower historically underserved communities and foster local engagement.

The NASA WVSGC Undergraduate Research Scholarship offers $5,000 to support undergraduate students in space-related fields to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time. Funding covers stipends, travel, and supplies, with a requirement for midterm and final reports. This scholarship aims to enhance students' research experience and contribute to the advancement of space science and technology.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program focuses on enhancing behavioral health care services for children and adolescents in rural areas. By providing essential funding, this initiative aims to tackle mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that young individuals receive the support they need. The program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, promoting healthier outcomes for future generations.

The First Federal Community Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing community life through impactful grants. With over $7.3 million awarded, the foundation prioritizes community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom Counties, and Bellevue, WA. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The foundation aims to benefit marginalized communities and supports projects that foster collaboration and sustainable development.

The DOER Public Entity Decarbonization Grant Program aims to support Massachusetts state entities in transitioning from fossil-fuel systems to efficient electric solutions. With up to $2,450,000 available, the program encourages projects that enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging other funding sources. Priority may be given to projects in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, specifically the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants, aim to enhance outdoor recreation and resource conservation. By partnering with various state agencies, grants of up to $7,000 are available for projects that promote sustainable use of water trails, ensuring inclusive access and community engagement across Pennsylvania's designated trails. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the program's guiding principles, including stewardship and community vitality.

The Joe C Davis Operational Grant provides unrestricted operational support to nonprofits in the Nashville area that demonstrate strong leadership and positive outcomes. The grant prioritizes organizations focused on education, healthcare, and social services, particularly those serving low-income and vulnerable populations. It aims to empower motivated individuals and families by offering resources that help them achieve long-term success, aligning with the foundational values of personal initiative, perseverance, and hard work.

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Change Grants

Community Change Grants are expected to be $50,000 or more and are designed to support multi-organization partnerships, and/or systems-level or cross-sector initiatives.

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

MileOneCares offers community grants aimed at enhancing lives through improved access to transportation and community support. Non-profits with 501(c)(3) status, operational for two years, can apply for funding to address local needs. The program prioritizes initiatives that uplift youth and the elderly in underserved areas. Applications are accepted year-round, but those for the current calendar year must be submitted by November 8. Grants do not support endowments or individuals.

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants are expected to range from $15,000 to $50,000 and are designed to support organizations and/or programs with demonstrated or promising impact, or projects addressing county-wide or multi-community needs.   

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

The El Dorado Springs Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities serving Cedar County. With a funding limit of $3,000, this program addresses vital community needs through flexible grantmaking. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the lives of local residents while ensuring non-discrimination in funding use. Applications are accepted periodically, reflecting the community's most pressing requirements.

The DCLA Premier Grants provide vital support to first-time applicants, including individual artists and community organizations on Staten Island. These grants focus on projects that foster public engagement and enhance cultural programming across diverse artistic disciplines. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community interest, clear objectives, and a realistic plan for implementation. Priority is given to projects that address under-resourced communities or artistic disciplines, ensuring equitable access to funding and cultural production opportunities.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

The Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund offers mini-grants up to $4,000 to grassroots groups addressing environmental issues, particularly in response to the February Deep Freeze. Applications are open to both formal and informal organizations, with a focus on community involvement and strategic action. Grants will prioritize applicants with annual budgets under $50,000. Evaluation criteria include project need, community participation, and the capacity to implement proposed activities.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.