Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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 Stackpole-Hall Foundation Grant provides funding ranging from $10,001 to $50,000 to organizations enhancing social welfare in Elk County, Pennsylvania. Prioritizing education, human services, and community development, the foundation offers various types of grants including matching and seed money. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or churches. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects outside the U.S., and grants are awarded quarterly based on submitted proposals.

The Stackpole-Hall Foundation Grant, exceeding $50K, aims to enhance the quality of life in Elk County, Pennsylvania. It prioritizes educational, human service, and community development needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and governmental entities. The foundation does not support individual grants or projects outside the U.S. Interested parties should contact the foundation prior to applying for funding to discuss their proposals.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers the Special Interest Grants: Developmental Disabilities through two funds—the Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund and the Laura Turner Fund. These grants support organizations that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Gray Fund provides $5,000 to $10,000 for training programs for those with intellectual disabilities, while the Turner Fund offers $1,000 to $2,000 specifically for services to adults with cerebral palsy, promoting better living conditions in southeastern Virginia.

The Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund Grant, established by Southern California Edison, aims to improve the Kern River rainbow trout population and restore habitats in the Upper Kern Basin. With nearly $3.5 million in total funding, this grant supports projects aligned with the Fishery Management Plan, ensuring the sustainability of native fish species and water quality standards. Eligible projects must contribute to the restoration and enhancement of fisheries resources in the region.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Turkey Distribution 2026

IRUSA facilitates annual Turkey Distributions in cities across the United States during Thanksgiving. IRUSA will procure and deliver turkeys to partners that will deliver them onto people in need. Along with turkeys, partner organizations may distribute other Thanksgiving goods to assist individuals and families who may not have access to these food items. The distribution may occur with regular food pantry distribution dates or as its own event. The goal of this event is to not only address food insecurity in local communities but to also embody the season of giving by bringing the holiday festivities to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in their homes.

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation offers the Sustainable Pest Management Grants Program to support innovative projects that enhance sustainable pest management practices. The program aims to reduce pesticide impacts on human health and the environment, focusing on priority areas such as weed management, rodenticide use, and the use of high-interest pesticides. Projects should align with integrated pest management strategies and contribute to the three sustainability pillars of human health, environmental protection, and economic vitality.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station Installation Grant FY25 aims to reduce pollution from vessel sewage in U.S. waters. Funded by the Clean Vessel Act, the grant provides up to 75% reimbursement for pumpout and dump station installation costs. Recipients must ensure that facilities remain accessible to all recreational vessels and properly maintain signage regarding usage. This initiative supports California's commitment to clean and safe boating.

Agricultural Emergency Drought Response Program

The Program provides up to $1 million annually, in the form of loans or grants, for emergency drought-related water augmentation purposes to Colorado’s agricultural water users.

The Program provides grant funds primarily for the cost of the Emergency Augmentation water but also can provide for engineering, attorney fees and other water acquisition administrative costs, not to exceed 5% of the grant amount. If the source of Emergency Augmentation water is through supplemental groundwater pumping the additional operational costs of pumping are eligible for funding through the Program. The Program does not provide grants for general operational expenses, maintenance or rehabilitation of facilities, or research projects. The Program does not provide funding for any anticipated costs associated with Emergency Augmentation, only for verified costs incurred during a previous irrigation season.

The NEBC Graduate Student Research Award offers up to $3,000 to support graduate students conducting botanical research on New England's flora, including plants, algae, and fungi. This award encourages projects involving field, lab, and herbarium work, as well as travel within the region. Open to all graduate students, it aims to foster significant contributions to systematic botany, plant ecology, genetics, and conservation biology.

Diversion Measurement Installation Program (DMIP)

Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Funds are available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes, weirs and pumps, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them.  Structures will be installed by 2029. The structure will be compliant with any relevant DWR rules and the local water commissioner will be given the opportunity to verify the installation.

The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation.  

Colorado received $7 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) for implementing a Diversion Measurement Program through 2029 across the West Slope. The purpose of the funding is to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding will help with installation of measurement devices such as a flume or weir for eligible water users; it does not cover headgate or diversion structure construction or repair. The funding comes at a time when DWR is implementing rulemaking for measurement in the Colorado River Basin.

What geographic area is covered?

The program covers streamflow diversions within the Colorado River Basin in Divisions 4 (Gunnison River Basin), 5 (Colorado River Basin).

The Richard Beatty Mellon Environmental Stewardship Award, established in 1954, honors individuals or organizations for significant contributions to pollution abatement. Eligible candidates demonstrate dedicated efforts in promoting air pollution control and waste management. This prestigious award reflects the legacy of Richard Beatty Mellon, who pioneered research in air quality and environmental protection. The award is open to both members and nonmembers of the Air & Waste Management Association.

The Go Outside (GO) Grants support North Carolina educators in providing students with outdoor learning experiences through field trips and visiting programs. Funding ranges from $3,000 for single-day trips to $5,000 for overnight excursions, encouraging exploration of parks and recreation areas. Applications are currently open, but funding is contingent on state allocations, with a recommendation to schedule activities after July 2025.

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 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in ocean and coastal policy. Funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, this one-year fellowship matches students with government hosts in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to enhance understanding of marine policy and resource management. Applications are due by February 19, 2025, with selection processes concluding by April 2, 2025. This program fosters professional growth and impactful engagement in marine policy.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

Under the leadership of the Director, the Department is managed by four Divisions which offer a variety of programs and services and carry out mandated regulatory and land management responsibilities. Additionally, six commission are administratively attached to the Department.

Forestry - FY26 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Program Goals

Provide financial support to help local governments engage in activities to accelerate the pace and scale of forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity on cross-boundary projects that include federal, state, or private lands in Montana.    

Grants are for:

• Funding coordination/facilitation costs for forest collaborative groups that have county commissioner involvement or support.
• Funding of amicus briefs for projects with local government support and likely to be litigated in the next year.

The Joseph H. Garagiola Sr. ASU/Cronkite School Sports Broadcasting Scholarship, established by the Arizona Community Foundation, supports Arizona students pursuing degrees in Sports Journalism or Broadcast Journalism. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a four-year program at ASU's Walter Cronkite School. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of sports media professionals.

The Women United Grant aims to enhance the education, economic mobility, and health of women in Lancaster County. By investing in educational initiatives that promote technical and employment skills, this grant seeks to empower women and improve their financial stability. Grants range from $20,000 to $30,000, with a total funding pool of up to $60,000. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure they effectively serve women over 18 in the community.

The Skutch Keystone Grant, established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch, honors over sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. It supports research on birds in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, encouraging local scholars, including students and professionals, to conduct field studies. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded annually to promote ecological and conservation efforts, enhancing our understanding of birds in their natural habitats.

The A.F. Skutch Medal, awarded by the Association of Field Ornithologists, honors outstanding contributions to Neotropical ornithology. Established in 1997, it recognizes achievements in research, mentoring students, and public engagement through publications. The award consists of a silver medal featuring the Fiery-billed Aracari and a monetary prize of $1,000. Nominations are accepted annually until July 31, with an emphasis on candidates' impactful contributions to the field.

The NIAID is focused on advancing the research and development of next-generation malaria vaccines, aiming to leverage innovative vaccine design techniques. This initiative not only aims to enhance malaria prevention but also serves as a model for combating other mosquito-borne diseases. By utilizing cutting-edge methods such as structure-based immunogen design and combination vaccines, the program seeks to significantly reduce both parasite infection rates and the overall disease burden associated with malaria.

The Community Funds Grant by the Marshall County Community Foundation supports local organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on charitable initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 and are awarded biannually. Eligible projects include start-up costs for new programs, one-time needs, and other specific requests identified by the foundation. However, individuals and projects for sectarian purposes or long-term funding are not eligible. This grant aims to foster philanthropy and enhance community impact.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

 The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative will award grants of up to $500,000 for projects that build the capacity of a New York City workforce development system to connect low-income New Yorkers to a middle-wage occupation or a group of occupations. The City’s workforce development systems include its public workforce agencies; the field of nonprofit organizations; the City University of New York (CUNY) system; the field of labor unions; industry partnership hubs; and New York City Public Schools.

Competitive submissions will:

• Strengthen or expand training pathways to middle-wage occupations;
• Strengthen or expand advancement models that help workers secure middle-wage positions; and/or
•  Address structural barriers to effective middle-wage pathways for low-income New Yorkers.

Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation

The Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) has a single vision that: every child in Illinois grows up healthy. Working with grantee partners across the state, ILCHF focuses its grant making on identifying and funding solutions to address the barriers that prevent children from accessing the ongoing healthcare they need, with a primary focus on children’s oral health and mental health.

ILCHF was created in December 2002 through an action of then-Attorney General Jim Ryan and an Illinois insurance carrier. This action and a settlement of approximately $125 million established Illinois’ only statewide private foundation focused solely on the health needs of children. Since inception, ILCHF has awarded approximately $149 million in nearly 900 grants to more than 300 organizations across the state.

“Bright Minds, Bright Smiles”: Mental and Oral Health Integration Initiative

The Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation (ILCHF) seeks to provide 20 three-year grants of up to $300,000 each (for a total investment of $6,000,000) to eligible children’s safety-net organizations that are sustaining and enhancing the coordination of existing children’s mental health or oral health services for Illinois children from vulnerable communities.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, sustaining direct service provision to children, strengthening care coordination, enhancing referral networks, expanding co-located services in community settings, and building capacity to better serve children enrolled in Medicaid.

ILCHF is proud to support organizations working to strengthen the children’s healthcare safety net across Illinois and ensure that every child in Illinois grows up healthy.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers Community Grants for Seed & Program Funding in Health & Wellness to enhance the wellbeing of southeastern Virginia residents. These grants support nonprofits focused on improving access to health services, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing health disparities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the South Hampton Roads area, with priority given to programs that enhance health literacy and connect individuals to essential care.