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Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.
32,000+
Available grants
$8.25B
Total funding
$6K
Median grant
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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.
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.
Raptor Research Foundation
The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey -RRF Mission Statement
The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.
“Wings to Fly” Travel Grant
The Award: The “Wings to Fly” grant supports travel from outside the U.S. and Canada for four to five raptor researchers or conservationists to present a paper or poster at our annual meeting.
Each grant will include support for airfare, visa fees, and food and lodging, as well as waived conference registration fees and a one-year membership to RRF.
Urban Tree Canopy Analysis Grant
The Urban Forestry Division (UFD) within the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) is soliciting detailed proposals from organizations to conduct an Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) analysis. The project is funded by the United States Forest Service through its Cooperative Forestry Assistance program.
The applicant will compile and provide a comprehensive UTC assessment report for DDOT-UFD. The report will estimate the current extent of the District of Columbia’s UTC and will incorporate data from this and previous studies. Previous UTC analyses were conducted in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2020. The report will highlight programs, initiatives, trends, opportunities, and ongoing challenges to achieving and sustaining the District’s 40% canopy goal. The report will include a discussion on the results as well as broad recommendations. Interested local government, non-governmental, and community-based organizations may apply for Fiscal Year 2026 UTC analysis funds. Individual proposals should not exceed $100,000.
Daviess County Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.
The Community Foundation can help you...
John R. Chapman Scholarship
Annual, renewable scholarship established by the John R. Chapman Trust Fund to provide a renewable scholarship to graduating seniors of Washington Community or North Daviess high schools.
Award Amount
Ohio Department of Health
The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.
Ohio Housing Trust Fund Special Projects Grant Program
The Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) consists of fees collected by county recorders that may be used to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and loan subsidies to counties, municipal corporations, townships, local housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations to assist in activities that provide housing and housing assistance for specifically targeted low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Annually, a portion of the OHTF is set aside for the Special Projects Grant Program. This program, administered by the Community Services Division’s Office of Housing Support (OHS), provides funding for special projects and innovative proposals that will principally benefit persons or households with income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and meet the OHTF’s rules and regulations, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code 174.
1-1 match required for funds when applying.
About MSHDA
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.
MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds of the bonds and notes are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and also fund home mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers various federal housing programs.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The ESG program provides HUD funding to organizations that support individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. ESG-funded activities include Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing, HMIS, and administrative support, all aimed at helping households regain stable housing as quickly as possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact your local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). The HARA is responsible for coordinating services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and can provide information on available resources, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and supportive services.
New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)
The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.
NJ Statewide Family Centered Care Network (Ryan White Part D)
To provide comprehensive, culturally competent, coordinated medical care for infants, children, youth, women, and families who are infected or affected with HIV/AIDS. Referrals to appropriate ancillary medical & social services.
Our Mission
The Horner Foundation is a family-based charity dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations that provide youth, aged 10-19, hands-on experiential learning opportunities through Out of School Time (OST) to foster positive youth development.
We work in 4 geographic regions, determined by where family members live, their specific interests and needs identified by the community.
Our Vision
Organizational Funding Statement
The Horner Foundation strives to be responsive and meet organizations where they are. This means that we may provide multi-year funding and ongoing support to nonprofits who may be launching a pilot project or going through a transition. However, we also believe in the value of diverse funding sources. The Horner Foundation typically funds organizations for 1-2 funding cycles (2-4 years). In rare cases, we may fund an organizations for 3 funding cycles (6 years).
Grants
The Foundation awards two-year grants dedicated to project funding. We fund in four geographic regions, each with its own funding priorities.
Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, Bay Area, California: Youth Food Justice, Youth Sports, & Girls Empowerment
For the past several years, the Horner Foundation has worked at the intersection of youth development and food justice, with the goal of empowering youth to learn about and take action to localize their food system and increase food security for all. Our 2026–2027 funding will continue this mission, with an increased emphasis on youth-led and youth-organized projects. Youth outcomes are maximized when youth can envision, organize, and execute projects alongside supportive adult mentors and allies. The Foundation aims to provide more funding directly to youth in the Bay Area, so that they can make a measurable difference in their communities.
We are also continuing our newer funding focus to empower young women and girls to access experiential learning and leadership opportunities in the Bay Area.
In addition, the Foundation is expanding its funding priorities to include Youth Sports programs that promote leadership, teamwork, confidence, and access to high-quality athletic opportunities for under-resourced youth. We are particularly interested in organizations that use sports as a vehicle for positive youth development, academic support, and life skills building.
Funding Focuses
Youth Food Justice
Youth Sports
Girls Empowerment
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Fiddler on the Roof Grant
The Fiddler on the Roof Grant covers performance royalties and support resources for middle or high school Thespian troupes to perform Fiddler on the Roof or Fiddler on the Roof JR. through Music Theatre International. Funders Helene and Edward Cole created the grant to help educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture.
Carl Hill Memorial Scholarship
Awards:
Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $34,887.
Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.
Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.
To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:
For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.