Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Increased Recycling of Empty Glass Beverage Containers Grant Program in California aims to enhance glass recycling efforts by funding regional pilot programs. Eligible applicants, including restaurants and retail establishments, can receive between $500,000 and $2,000,000 annually to implement collection initiatives. With a total funding pool of $4,000,000 available each fiscal year, this program encourages sustainable practices and aims to improve recycling rates statewide.

The La Plaza Scholarship, established in 1997 by the leaders of the Latinx and Hispanic community in Indiana, aims to support Latinx and Hispanic youth in their educational pursuits. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need, determination, and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students identifying as Latinx or Hispanic, ensuring that the program nurtures a diverse and inclusive academic environment for future generations.

The Dorothy Rupe CNA Program Grant, offered by the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, supports California Community Colleges in enhancing certified nursing assistant and home health aide programs. Grants of up to $50,000 aim to improve student outcomes through financial assistance for low-income students and instructional support, addressing workforce needs for compassionate healthcare professionals. This initiative fosters economic opportunities for underrepresented groups while ensuring quality training in essential healthcare skills.

The SAC Foundation Grant, offered by the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Schuylkill County to enhance community well-being. The grant focuses on diverse areas including animal welfare, arts, education, and health. Funding ranges from $100 to $2,000, allowing organizations to apply for vital resources to implement impactful projects. The foundation is committed to equitable support, welcoming applications from all eligible 501(c)(3) organizations without discrimination.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an MNRS member who has significantly advanced the profession of nursing either through an extensive program of research or creation of environments where research can flourish, and whose sustained leadership and distinguished career yielded outstanding and noteworthy accomplishments. 

The Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation's Community Engagement program offers sponsorships and community grants aimed at improving health equity for underserved populations in New Mexico. With a commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes organizations that promote healthy living and cultural belonging. Eligible applicants must be local nonprofits with a current nonprofit status. This initiative reflects a deep-rooted tradition of service and community support, inspired by the foundation's legacy of caring.

The AGA-Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer provides $100,000 annually for three years to early-career faculty focused on independent research in pancreatic cancer. This award aims to protect at least 50% of the recipient's time for research activities. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be classified as early-career. The award encourages physician-scientists and underrepresented groups in biomedical research to apply, supporting innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in understanding pancreatic cancer.

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Grant supports organizations in Illinois to enhance patient navigation services for breast cancer. By addressing barriers to care, this initiative promotes timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for underserved communities. Funding will be allocated to programs that provide culturally competent education and link individuals to critical screening and prevention services. The grant aims to develop infrastructure that fosters equitable access to breast cancer care and support for survivors.

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Community Outreach Grant aims to enhance breast cancer awareness and education through outreach programs in Illinois. Funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, this initiative supports organizations conducting activities to promote equity in breast cancer outcomes, focusing on underserved populations. Key goals include increasing knowledge about breast health and facilitating access to screening and support services, ultimately improving health outcomes for women and men affected by breast cancer.

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund aims to reduce health disparities by supporting local nonprofits in Hartford, CT, and St. Louis, MO. With an annual commitment of $3 million, the Fund focuses on enhancing access to culturally appropriate healthcare, transportation, and mental health services. By addressing root causes of health inequities, the Fund empowers communities to improve overall health outcomes and foster sustainable change in underserved areas.

The Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Research Grants aim to support impactful research that enhances cardiovascular and pulmonary health through physical therapy interventions. This grant emphasizes studies that assess patient characteristics, improve health outcomes, and address disparities. Research proposals must align with the 2023 APTA Research Agenda and prioritize clinical relevance, employing various investigative designs. The goal is to foster innovative approaches that significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risks and improve patient care in the U.S.

The RRGL Emergency Grant provides crucial funding for urgent projects in Montana that threaten the management of renewable resources. With a budget of $300,000, grants up to $30,000 are available for projects that cannot wait for legislative approval. Eligible entities include state and local governments, while funds can cover various water-related emergencies. This program supports conservation efforts and ensures the sustainable use of water resources, promoting the economic and social well-being of Montana's citizens.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers a Public Beach Restoration Program aimed at the restoration and enhancement of public beaches. This program provides funding for the engineered placement of sand on beaches or in the nearshore environment, covering up to 85% of nonfederal project costs for nonstate beaches. Eligible applicants include public agencies, ensuring support for vital coastal infrastructure and community access to healthy beach environments.

The Rose Hills Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthier and more equitable Southern California by funding nonprofits that address critical needs in the community. With a focus on education, arts, culture, and human services, the foundation supports organizations that empower at-risk youth and families. By providing essential resources, they strive to enhance the quality of life across Los Angeles County, ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities that promote growth and well-being.

The SNAP Employment and Training (NE) program, by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, aims to support low-income adults, including SNAP recipients, in gaining employment through various training services. These services include supervised job searches, job search training, job retention assistance, basic education, career or technical training, and on-the-job training. The initiative seeks to empower participants with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in the workforce.

The Richmond County Savings Foundation, established in 1998, is dedicated to enhancing the Staten Island community through philanthropic efforts. It provides grants up to $5,000 to local nonprofit organizations for program support, event sponsorship, and more. The Foundation focuses on enriching lives by supporting food pantries, education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. By fostering community growth and ensuring nonprofits are well-supported, RCSF plays a vital role in improving local services and opportunities.

The Quantum in the Community (QIC) Grants aim to enhance health in Palm Beach County by funding organizations that address basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. With grants of up to $25,000 awarded annually, the foundation has invested over $160 million in local nonprofits over its three-decade history. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) designated and have been operating in the county for at least six months, ensuring a meaningful impact on community health.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Spearfish Volunteer Firefighters' Association Scholarship

To provide financial support to individuals pursuing an education and training in the public safety industry.

The Spearfish Fire Department, established in the late 1880s as a volunteer organization, serves the northern Black Hills in western South Dakota. Its mission is to protect lives and property within the fire protection district and mutual aid area. Additionally, the department advocates for fire safety and provides fire safety education in local schools and the wider community.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering the Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant, aimed at counties, municipalities, Tribal nations, and weed management entities. Grants up to $150,000 will be awarded for on-the-ground weed management and equipment purchases. The program focuses on financial assistance for controlling priority noxious weeds, with preference for projects that integrate sustainable land management practices in vital ecosystems. Individual project awards range from $500 to $15,000.

The Mastercard Strive USA 2025 Innovation Fund aims to enhance the financial health of small businesses across the U.S. by providing up to $250,000 in grants to organizations developing innovative solutions. This initiative focuses on addressing challenges such as limited access to financial resources and vulnerability to economic shocks, ultimately fostering resilience and growth within the small business sector.

The Eva L. McKenzie Memorial Fund Grant supports California organizations focusing on the unique needs of blind individuals, and those affected by cerebral palsy or cancer. Established in 1961, the fund aims to provide charitable, scientific, and educational assistance. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, operate within California, and directly address the challenges faced by these populations. Program areas include education, health, and human services.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board, through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), invites grant applications for training programs aimed at new and incumbent workers. The Partnership and Pathways Programs focus on developing cooperative training projects that cater to business needs and support individuals in need, particularly those below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to strengthen Minnesota's workforce and economy.

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success. 

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Tree City USA Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have not met all the Tree City USA standards complete select urban forestry practices and community forestry activities that are foundational in the management of public trees and to achieve Tree City USA designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded RFAs.

The Community Food Solutions Grant offered by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania aims to combat food insecurity by providing funding to grassroots organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities. With nearly a century of experience, United Way connects various sectors to enhance community support and engagement. This initiative not only aids in addressing immediate food access issues but also fosters collaboration among local organizations to create sustainable change.

The MRFBC Young Investigator Team Award supports innovative research in immuno-oncology for melanoma, offering up to $150,000 annually for two years. This funding targets U.S.-based researchers aiming to enhance clinical outcomes for melanoma patients or deepen the scientific understanding of immuno-oncology. The MRF collaborates with key institutions to address challenges in melanoma research, fostering partnerships that maximize research potential and impact.

The Steelcase Foundation Grant supports independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Grand Rapids, MI, focusing on enhancing access to quality public education and fostering communities for children and families. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that provide quality learning experiences, engage multiple generations, and promote arts and culture. Grants typically range from $30,000 to $250,000, with an emphasis on projects demonstrating feasibility, community benefit, and alignment with social justice principles.