Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

The Futrell-Mauldin Community Fund for Greater Rocky Mount supports local nonprofit organizations by providing annual grants ranging from $500 to $7,500. Established in 2005, the fund is overseen by a local advisory board that identifies and addresses community needs. It encourages diverse organizations, including tax-exempt charities and local government units, to apply for funding to enhance the quality of life in the Rocky Mount area, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

Mission Statement

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of Wyoming's agriculture, natural resources and contribution to Wyoming quality of life.

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture assists the citizens of Wyoming to live safe and healthy lives, promote and preserve our agricultural community, be responsible stewards of our natural resources, and achieve integrity in the marketplace.

Emergency Insect Management Grant

The Emergency Insect Management Program was enacted by the Wyoming Legislature in 2003 to create an account, and program oversight, to assist with emergency management of insect pests and insect vectors.

Insect vectors may include blood-feeding arthropods, mosquitoes, biting flies or other such insects that harbor or transmit pathogens harmful to humans, livestock, agriculture, livestock or natural resources. Insect pests may include grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, or other cyclic or outbreak insect species, in addition to incipient populations of invasive insects including fire ants and Africanized honeybees.

Approved programs shall receive not more than 50% of the total program cost. In special circumstances, programs for the control of outbreak insects may receive up to 75% of the program costs.

This funding is to provide supplemental help to manage emergency outbreaks of insect pests and insect vectors of diseases for the protection of human health and safety, animal health including livestock and wildlife, agriculture and natural resources.

The Melanoma Established Investigator Award offers up to $125,000 annually for two years, aimed at established melanoma researchers or senior researchers transitioning into melanoma research. Eligible applicants include Associate Professors or higher, with both tenured and non-tenured faculty encouraged to apply. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for this funding opportunity provided by the Melanoma Research Foundation.

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Emergency Relief Funds aim to provide essential funding to states and territories. This initiative focuses on preventing, reducing, or eliminating waiting lists for ADAP services, ensuring timely access to necessary medications and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This program addresses critical funding shortfalls, enhancing the healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes in affected communities.

The Vermont Arts Council's Animating Infrastructure Grant supports communities in integrating public art into infrastructure projects. This initiative encourages collaboration between artists and local communities to enhance pride and identity through site-specific art installations. The program aims to improve livability in Vermont by utilizing various infrastructure elements, fostering connections, and creating vibrant spaces. Grants are available for both public art design and implementation, providing funding up to $15,000 for selected projects.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Integrated HIV/AIDS Planning Resource Allocation Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention and care planning for RWHAP Parts A and B recipients. Through the provision of training, tools, and technical assistance, this initiative seeks to optimize resource allocation and strengthen the overall system of HIV care and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV.

The REALTORS Housing Opportunities Fund Grant, initiated by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in 2003, aims to support affordable housing projects in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. With over $1 million invested, the grant prioritizes nonprofits focused on education, development, or repair of affordable housing. Interested organizations must register to apply, allowing two business days for processing. This competitive funding opportunity promotes community development and addresses housing needs.

The Great Lakes Stewardship Grant aims to enhance awareness and understanding of the Great Lakes' ecology, empowering residents to advocate for sustainable fisheries. This program invites proposals focused on place-based stewardship education, with a notable RFP planned for 2025, alongside another for fishing education. The next RFP for place-based education is set for release in 2027, ensuring ongoing support for community engagement and stewardship initiatives.

The Connection, Assistance, Resources and Education Grant for Dementia Caregivers in DC (CARE DC) aims to enhance the quality of life for dementia caregivers by establishing a coordinated network of resources. This initiative seeks to increase caregiver support and reduce the long-term health impacts associated with caregiving. By facilitating access to dementia navigation services, CARE DC promotes wellness and equity among caregivers in the District, addressing critical health risks and enhancing community collaboration.

The Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

The Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA) is offered by the Melanoma Research Foundation to support researchers dedicated to melanoma and its prevention. This award is designed for postdoctoral fellows with under five years of experience, research associates, scientists, staff scientists, assistant professors, and those focusing on melanoma prevention. The initiative promotes innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of melanoma, ultimately aiming to reduce its impact.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation

For more than 20 years, our Foundation has fostered a culture of philanthropy across Hardin County by delivering exceptional assistance and resources to our benefactors, volunteers, other charitable organizations, grant applicants, and the wider community.

Our Mission is to promote charitable giving, to build permanent endowment funds for Hardin County, and to address a broad range of community issues through active leadership and grant-making.

Hardin County Community Endowment Grant Program

The Hardin County Community Endowment Foundation seeks to raise the quality of life throughout Hardin County by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors to area needs and building community partnerships. Based on the American virtues of volunteerism and philanthropy, the Foundation fosters a legacy of support for the people of Hardin County by making grants to not-for-profit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, and human services.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Exploratory Grants support two or more organizations that are ready to engage in structured discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership.

Organizations receiving Exploratory Grant funding are not committing to a specific outcome. Rather, they are committing to participate in a good-faith process of exploration, due diligence, and negotiation to determine whether a partnership would advance their missions and better serve their communities.

• Potential activities may include:
• Strategic assessment and readiness discussions
• Facilitation and negotiation support
• Organizational due diligence
• Governance and leadership conversations
• Financial and operational analysis
• Exploration of partnership models

Exploratory Grants typically range from $20,000–$40,000.

Funds are intended primarily for third-party consultants and technical assistance providers supporting the exploratory process.

The AGA-Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer provides $100,000 annually for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. This award aims to support independent careers in pancreatic cancer research by protecting a significant portion of the recipient's time for research activities. Eligible applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent and work at a North American institution, with AGA membership required. Strong encouragement is given to underrepresented groups.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Beneficial Use (Outcome 5)

Assessment, planning, design, and permitting for projects that treat dredged sediment as a resource 

What kinds of projects are supported by this funding?

Assessment, planning, design, and permitting for projects using dredged material (e.g., thin-layer placement) to restore wetlands.

• Feasibility studies for stabilizing eroding shorelines or islands using local sediment.
• Restoration of underwater grasses or enhancement of fish/shellfish habitats.
• Development of local sediment management plans to match community dredging needs with restoration sites.

Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit. Projects must be located within Maryland’s Coastal Zone.

The Junior League of Houston is introducing the Community Assistance Pilot Program to support early-stage organizations in the greater Houston area. This program will provide up to three agencies with $10,000 annually for three years, aiming to enhance their capacity in key focus areas: Children’s Education, Health and Well-Being, and Basic Needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits with a clean legal record and less than $1 million in assets.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.

The WA RCO Land and Water Conservation Fund supports the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources, including parks and trails. Established in 1965, it aids states in enhancing public outdoor areas. The fund offers two programs: the State Program for all communities and the Legacy Program specifically for urban areas of 30,000+ residents, focusing on economically disadvantaged regions. Funding ranges from $200,000 to $4,800,000, promoting diverse project eligibility.

The Community Planning and Capacity Building Grants, offered by the California Air Resources Board, provide up to $500,000 to assist communities in planning for equitable transportation solutions. These grants focus on early-stage planning, outreach, and workforce development, particularly benefiting Tribal governments, rural communities, schools, and first-time applicants. This funding aims to promote clean transportation initiatives and enhance local readiness.

The AGRI Minnesota Value Added Grant Program supports value-added businesses by providing grants for equipment investments. Aimed at enhancing the production capacity and market access for Minnesota agricultural products, it prioritizes projects that improve food safety and increase hemp fiber production. Applicants must provide a cash match, covering 50% of the first $50,000 and 75% of any additional costs, with a maximum award of $150,000. This initiative fosters economic growth in the agricultural sector.

The Jurgens, Virgil Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $375 award to a Beatrice High School senior who excels in baseball and ranks in the top 25% of their class. The Foundation, established in 1987, provides financial support for educational opportunities. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement.

The OK Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Grant Program aims to assist landowners in eastern Oklahoma in managing their pine forests, particularly those at risk from the Southern Pine Beetle (SPB). The program provides financial support for practices that promote healthy forest conditions and reduce infestation risks. Priority is given to landowners in LeFlore, McCurtain, and Pushmataha counties, but funding is also available for high-risk stands outside these areas, ensuring comprehensive protection against SPB threats.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) in Ohio offers funding for projects enhancing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety and environmental sustainability. Administered by NOACA, the program supports community-led improvements based on planning studies. Implementation awards start at $100,000, with flexibility for smaller projects that align with TLCI goals. The total funding available is $2 million, aiming to enhance multimodal transportation and community engagement across Northeast Ohio.

The Community Forestry Grants Program: Workforce Development by Texas A&M Forest Service aims to enhance urban and community forestry in Texas. Funded by the USDA Forest Service, this initiative supports cities in establishing qualified city forester positions to promote sustainable tree management and community engagement. By securing these grants, applicants can significantly improve local forestry practices and contribute to environmental resilience, ensuring healthier urban ecosystems for the benefit of all Texans.