Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Goodnow Fund is a family foundation that provides approximately $1.5 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations. Focused on supporting vulnerable children, Alzheimer's research, educational opportunities for low-income students, and environmental improvement, the Fund primarily aids organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It identifies potential grantees directly and does not accept unsolicited proposals. For more information, organizations can contact the Fund's Executive Director.

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program, administered by CalRecycle, offers up to $1 million annually for cleaning illegal solid waste sites on agricultural properties. Eligible sites must be zoned for agriculture and demonstrate a need for cleanup to address public health or environmental threats. Applications must include an EPPP Policy by the specified deadlines to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Grant offers funding for the installation of pumpout and dump stations in California, addressing pollution from vessel sewage. This program, established under the Clean Vessel Act, supports both public and private entities, covering up to 75% of installation costs. Eligible recipients must ensure accessibility to all recreational vessels and provide necessary signage. The initiative aims to promote clean boating practices and enhance public awareness about proper sewage disposal.

The CCRP Initiative invites applications for basic research on chemical threats affecting the nervous system, including chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. This funding aims to elucidate toxicity mechanisms, explore new toxic exposure manifestations, and identify targets for therapeutic development. Proposals should generate data relevant to understanding these toxic threats, with applications due by 5 PM local time. Optional Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

HFW Healthcare Career Scholarship Program – High School

Healthcare Foundation of Wilson established the Healthcare Career Scholarship Program to help Wilson, NC public high school students who have an interest in the healthcare profession. Each high school in Wilson County will have the ability to award one student with a $1,000 scholarship. The student must be a graduating senior who will attend any North Carolina community college, college, or university for a major related to a healthcare career.

Recipients of the scholarship will be selected by a committee at each high school with the understanding that any nominee must meet all eligibility criteria. Scholarship recipient information must be submitted by the school’s scholarship committee by the application deadline. 

The Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, supported by the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, aims to bolster research in allergic respiratory diseases. Designed for faculty in Clinical Allergy and Immunology at academic medical centers, this award offers $75,000 annually for up to two years. It seeks to empower researchers at pivotal points in their careers, enhancing understanding and treatment of these conditions while promoting lung health.

The Texas A&M Forest Service's Community Forestry Grants Program aims to enhance urban and community forestry across Texas by funding Municipal Forester positions. These grants support cities in establishing qualified foresters to promote tree management, community engagement, and policy development. By fostering sustainable practices, this initiative contributes to the health and resilience of local ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities they serve.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at transformative support for organizations in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants prioritize capacity building, innovative ideas, and measurable impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501-C3 organizations or have fiscal sponsors, and should not engage in lobbying. The foundation emphasizes meaningful work, character development for youth, and connections to nature for improved community well-being.

The Trail Accelerator Grants aim to enhance mountain bike trail communities by providing essential planning and design services. With funding between $10,000 to $30,000, these grants support local organizations in creating sustainable trail systems. The initiative encourages projects that increase access and promote community engagement, particularly focusing on diversity and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match funds, ensuring collaborative efforts to improve trail networks and experiences for all riders.

The Service Club Alliance Grant, supported by the Kiwanis Club of Midland and the Midland Kiwanis Foundation, aims to enhance the well-being of children in Midland County. This collaborative initiative streamlines grant applications for 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to community projects. By leveraging combined financial and personal resources, the alliance funds playgrounds, scholarships, and educational materials, fostering a positive impact on local schools and preschools.

The Vermont Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP) aims to enhance water quality through grants to local partners. With up to $8 million available for FY2026, proposals should focus on agricultural water quality compliance, pollution reduction, and farm viability. Various project categories range from small grants under $100,000 to larger joint applications up to $4 million. The program emphasizes educational outreach, technical assistance, and sustainable practices to support Vermont's agricultural community.

The WV Nonpoint Source Program provides grants for watershed projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source pollution, which is pollution from diffuse sources impacting water quality. The program encourages collaboration with local stakeholders to create effective project proposals. Eligible projects must align with watershed management plans and contribute to improving water quality. Funding supports innovative best management practices, education, and technology transfer, with a focus on restoring impaired waters or protecting high-quality watersheds.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides annual funding through the Invasive Plant Management Section to support research and outreach projects aimed at managing invasive plant species. Eligible projects can include studies on herbicide efficacy, seed bank viability, and the development of biological control methods. Collaboration with other agencies is encouraged, and funding typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with a maximum administrative overhead of 10%. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Florida's ecosystems.

The North Carolina Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program aims to empower municipalities in achieving sustainable urban and community forestry management. By providing financial support and expertise, the program enhances community living quality through effective forestry practices. It uses specific standards to classify community management levels, fostering progress and celebrating achievements. This initiative encourages collaboration among stakeholders to further urban forestry goals and improve local environments, ultimately contributing to healthier, greener communities.

The Colon Cancer Coalition offers the Get Your Rear in Gear Grants to support local programs aimed at improving colon cancer screening and awareness. Open year-round, applications are reviewed biannually in February and August. Grants fund initiatives that educate the public about colon cancer and alleviate the financial burden on patients. By applying, organizations commit to promoting local events that raise funds for these important community programs.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

EADDW Travel Assistance Grant

Epilepsy Education Expo and Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyworld (EADDW) is an event for people of all ages with epilepsy, their families and friends, and those interested in raising awareness for epilepsy. The free EXPO will feature exhibitors and presentations including the newest breakthroughs in medications, technology and more! The FREE Epilepsy Awareness and Education Expo will be held on April 25th at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Orlando Florida. Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyworld will be held on April 26th.

If your family would like to attend EADDW and you require financial travel assistance, please complete this application. Please note, this funding is in the form of reimbursement. If your application is selected, you will be notified by email.

The Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for the Jewish Aged, established in 2014, supports St. Louis area organizations with grants focused on enhancing the dignity of elderly Jews. Prioritizing mental health and well-being, the foundation encourages creative proposals that demonstrate significant impact and community outreach. Collaboration is emphasized, and applications are accepted from professionals in local non-profits. The foundation aims to address unmet needs of Jewish older adults while fostering innovative solutions within the community.

The Alcohol Research-Related Resource Award (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) aims to support investigator-initiated resources that enhance biomedical research on a national level. Through this non-hypothesis-driven grant, essential data, materials, and services will be provided to facilitate progress in the alcohol research community. The resources must be available to qualified investigators and should not replicate existing commercial offerings, ensuring high-quality and cost-efficient support for diverse research activities.

The Carolina Bird Club offers ongoing grants for research, monitoring, and education focused on the conservation of birds in the Carolinas. These grants support projects that promote bird observation, education, and habitat protection. Applicants must be affiliated with an educational or non-profit institution and provide detailed proposals, including a budget and a letter of support. The club encourages projects addressing local conservation needs and aims to foster a deeper appreciation for avian species and their habitats.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

EADDL Travel Assistance Grant

Epilepsy Education Expo and Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland (EADDL) is an event for people of all ages with epilepsy, their families and friends, and those interested in raising awareness for epilepsy. The free EXPO will feature over 100 exhibitors including the newest breakthroughs in medications, technology and more! Experience the 80+ presentations focused on everything from diagnosis and treatment to surgery and therapies, as well as technologies. The FREE Education Expo will be held on November 16th and 17th inside the Disneyland Hotel’s Exhibit Hall and Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland will be held on November 18, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – closing.

If your family would like to attend EADDL and you require financial travel assistance, please complete the application. Please note, this funding is in the form of reimbursement following the event. If your application is selected, you will be notified by email.

The HIV Care Grant Program aims to enhance access to comprehensive, high-quality HIV care and treatment for low-income individuals in Pacific Island territories. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative supports states and territories in developing effective systems of care, ensuring that those affected by HIV receive the necessary treatment and support to improve health outcomes.

The Delaware Nonpoint Source Section 319 Grant Program, administered by the DNREC, provides funding for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution in Delaware. This program supports initiatives that implement best management practices to combat pollution from diffuse sources like agriculture and construction. By addressing these issues, the grant aims to protect both surface and ground waters, ensuring a healthier environment for the community.

The Integrated Pest Management Program Grants, awarded by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, aim to promote sustainable pest management practices. Since 1998, these grants support projects that incorporate biological, cultural, and chemical tactics to minimize environmental risks. The program is open to various applicants, including private citizens and organizations, focusing on education and reducing pesticide use to enhance public health and environmental quality. Priority is given to diverse applications, including educational initiatives and urban projects.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. The Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines, and interest on the fund, under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.

Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interest in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

OWEB Coastal Wetlands Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP) was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the NCWCGP is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Only legislatively approved state agencies may submit applications to the NCWCGP. Since 2013, OWEB has been an approved agency. OWEB serves as the official grantee of the federal award and makes the federal funds available to local conservation and restoration partners through sub-grants. All sub-grants are subject to the Rules and guidelines of OWEB’s grant programs.

Eligible Projects

All projects must ensure long-term conservation.

Eligible projects under the NCWCGP include:

• Acquisition of a real property interest (permanent conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or coastal wetlands ecosystems from willing sellers, and/or
• Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

Restoration Grants

OWEB issues a solicitation for Coastal Wetlands Restoration Grant applications in the spring of each year.

Toby L. Mapes: Fire Protection Technology Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1500
• Active

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for a student pursuing a higher education in a Fire Protection Technology degree at an accredited institution, with preference given to students attending Blue Ridge Community College or AB Technical College in a fire protection technology field. A second preference is given to students pursuing nursing. 

Maryland's Rural Legacy Grant Program aims to protect large, contiguous tracts of land with rich natural and cultural resources from sprawl development. By fostering collaboration between state and local governments and land trusts, the program enhances farms and forests through the acquisition of easements and fee simple estates from willing landowners. Annual applications from local sponsors are reviewed by the Rural Legacy Advisory Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Rural Legacy Board and ultimately to the Governor.