Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Moody's Community Impact Grant Program supports organizations with tax-exempt status to foster social and economic equality. Established by Moody's Foundation, it prioritizes initiatives that empower underestimated communities and entrepreneurs, driving innovation and ecological restoration. The foundation focuses on inclusive growth, providing resources for small businesses and community resilience. Eligible organizations must be registered charities under U.S. IRS guidelines, while ineligible entities include individuals and those promoting unlawful discrimination.

The Basin Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants offer financial support to Colorado water users for addressing critical water supply challenges. Eligible entities, including governmental and private organizations, can apply for grants to cover activities such as technical assistance, feasibility studies, and infrastructure projects. Prior approval from a basin roundtable is required before submitting an application. This program aims to promote sustainable water management and align with the goals of the Colorado Water Plan.

The AAAAI Distinguished Scientist Award recognizes exceptional contributions in allergy and immunology research, honoring those who have significantly advanced the field and demonstrated leadership. This prestigious award is presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, a leading organization for over 7,000 professionals dedicated to improving patient care and promoting research in allergic diseases. The award highlights the commitment to excellence and innovation within the specialty.

The Grief Reach grant program, supported by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children's Grief, invites innovative community expansion proposals to better serve grieving children. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $160,000 to enhance their programs, focusing on unique community needs. By collaborating with the Judi's House/JAG Institute, participants will receive essential training and resources for impactful program evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing grief.

The AAAAI Special Recognition Award honors individuals who significantly contribute to the allergy and immunology community. Offered by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts in advancing care and research in the field, promoting optimal patient outcomes. The AAAAI, with over 7,000 members worldwide, is a leading authority in allergy and immunology, dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and practice of these critical health areas.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Grants support charitable organizations that benefit youth in Wayne County, Ohio. Applications are accepted annually until February 1 for projects starting after May 15. Grants cover various categories, including arts, education, and health. Eligible organizations must be recognized as nonprofit or educational entities. The foundation does not fund scholarships, deficit financing, or religious activities unless for non-religious programs. Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria for successful applications.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.

The WCCF: GIVE 365 Wayne County Grants focus on enhancing community wellness and success in 2024. This initiative invites nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Ohio, to submit proposals addressing issues such as homelessness, care for the elderly, and food insecurity. Grants support established projects, startups, and capacity-building efforts. Organizations must demonstrate leadership and fiscal responsibility. Collaboration among nonprofits is encouraged, ensuring impactful use of funds to strengthen community support systems.

The Weaver Foundation Grants support agencies in the Greater Greensboro area, focusing on education, youth programs, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, equity, social justice, urban open spaces, and economic development. While they do not accept unsolicited applications, letters of inquiry are welcomed. The foundation does not provide funding for individuals, partisan programs, or travel-related expenses, and funding decisions occur quarterly, allowing for multi-year commitments when necessary.

The Wild Animal Initiative offers Seed Grants to support innovative projects in wild animal welfare research. These grants aim to facilitate early-career researchers and established scientists in testing new techniques and approaches that incorporate welfare assessments into ecological studies. The program emphasizes cost-effective solutions, focusing on improving the welfare of wild animals. Successful proposals will explore diverse themes such as wild fish welfare and near-term welfare interventions to address urgent animal welfare challenges.

The RSLAAIS Leadership Award, presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), honors exemplary leaders within state, regional, or local allergy societies. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to community involvement, clinical education, and the advancement of the AAAAI's mission. Candidates are nominated by the RSLAAIS Board of Governors and must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their local allergy societies and the broader medical community.

The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Funding aims to support marginalized youth aged 18-24 facing barriers to education, training, and employment. Managed by the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with local organizations, this grant provides funding for up to three years to create a coordinated system that helps youth transition into career-oriented opportunities. Key focus areas include evidence-based policies, partnerships, and access to essential services to ensure successful outcomes for participants.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation offers Youth Program Grants to support initiatives that enhance youth development in Winnebago County. These grants prioritize projects that promote environmental education, establish new services for youth, strengthen existing programs, and provide adaptive equipment for children with disabilities. Eligible organizations include public charities and government agencies, while individuals and private schools are ineligible. The foundation aims to create better opportunities for children through these funding efforts.

The Cultural Competitive and Emerging Film Festival Grant aims to enhance arts and film initiatives that boost tourism and economic vitality in Suffolk County. By supporting community organizations focused on diversity and cultural participation, the grant encourages the development of innovative arts programs, partnerships, and public engagement. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to accessible arts experiences and have a proven operational history, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community-driven projects.

The Alabama Recycling Fund Grant, managed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, supports local governments and nonprofits in enhancing or initiating recycling programs. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship by funding projects such as recycling bins, infrastructure, and educational outreach. Recent collaborations, like the Albertville-Boaz Recycling Authority, showcase successful partnerships aimed at increasing recycling efforts and community awareness. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, ensuring comprehensive participation in sustainable practices.

The Local Conservation Corps Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), aims to promote environmental sustainability through the implementation of beverage container recycling, litter abatement, and the recovery of used oil and electronic waste. This initiative supports local conservation efforts and encourages community engagement in waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

About

With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies and its family of stores prides itself in being a part of neighborhoods and putting people first. Our dedication to customers is reflected in the connections we’ve made in the communities we’ve served for more than 70 years.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation

In 2000, we established The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, our philanthropic, non-profit organization, supporting programs and organizations that provide vital resources for children and families in the communities we serve. The CARES Foundation focuses on building stronger communities through fresh foods, accessibility, and programs that support youth and helping them to thrive. Annually, The CARES Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 in small grants to support community-based, non-profit organizations.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.

The CARES Foundation will review, on a quarterly basis, among other things, the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds. No one of these or other factors will necessarily be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and 2 programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but that addresses an especially important community need, and thus has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but that fills a less important community need. Requests for Grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for request consideration.

Recipients that receive grants for more than one year must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.

The Climate Justice Fellowship, funded by NYSERDA, invites organizations to host a full-time fellow for one year to advance climate justice and clean energy initiatives in Disadvantaged Communities. Eligible fellows, who must be NYS residents from Priority Populations, will receive a salary and professional development support. NYSERDA aims to fund approximately 150 fellowships by 2026, with a total budget of $6 million. Host employers must apply to confirm eligibility and facilitate fellows' projects.

The IRSS RIFM Special Award for Inhalation Toxicology offers a $500 prize for trainees contributing to inhalation toxicology research. Sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, this award encourages innovative evaluations of inhaled toxicants, exposure science advancements, and risk assessment research. Applicants must submit a one-page summary of their work and a pending abstract for presentation at the SOT Annual Meeting, alongside a mentor's support letter. This award aims to promote excellence in the field.

The Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Planning Awards in Ohio, managed by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), aim to enhance transportation systems through funding planning studies. Eligible projects include transportation plans, complete streets implementation, and traffic calming efforts, with a total budget of $2 million. Communities with legal authority can apply, focusing on sustainable development and multimodal transportation, while projects promoting single occupancy vehicle travel are ineligible.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Shoreline Erosion Control Grant Program FY27 aims to address beach erosion through strategic projects that stabilize shorelines. These include the placement of sand and the construction of hard structures such as seawalls and groins. The program, authorized under the Harbors and Navigation Code, often receives partial funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the state contributing up to 50% of the local sponsor's project cost share.

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, offers competitive grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 for projects that restore, protect, or enhance vital habitats like prairies and wetlands. Applicants must provide a 10% match of non-state funds and the total project cost cannot exceed $1,000,000. Focused on habitat benefits, the program emphasizes conservation easements and public ownership for funded projects.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc offers Seed Grants aimed at nonprofit and social enterprise organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofits launching new programs in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These one-time grants support innovative ideas addressing community challenges and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The foundation seeks applicants dedicated to meaningful work, youth character development, and fostering connections to nature, ensuring a positive impact on the communities they serve.

This funding opportunity aims to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) in conducting preclinical HIV/AIDS research using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) models. Eligible applicants must have at least two years of postdoctoral experience and be within ten years of their terminal degree. The initiative aligns with the NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, targeting the reduction of HIV incidence, development of therapies, and advancement in research areas related to HIV.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Justice & Economic Mobility Grant

Persistent poverty in Knoxville, especially in East Knoxville, reflects the lasting impact of historic injustices such as redlining and Urban Renewal. These forces have contributed to declining homeownership, loss of generational wealth, and increased risk of displacement—disproportionately affecting historically underserved communities and communities of color. Individuals with prior incarceration often face additional barriers to stable employment and economic advancement.

The Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to financial literacy, capital, and quality employment. 

The Hearing Health Foundation's Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program supports innovative research in hearing and balance, providing up to $50,000 per year for promising projects. Since 1958, it has fostered early-career researchers and led to significant advancements in the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions and hold relevant advanced degrees. The program emphasizes underfunded areas and encourages applications that expand knowledge and research capabilities in hearing health.