Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Cumberland County, North Carolina, is seeking proposals to support organizations in implementing effective strategies to combat the opioid crisis. This initiative aims to reduce overdose fatalities, emergency visits, and illicit opioid use while enhancing local infrastructure. By building on successful pilot projects, the RFP focuses on evidence-based approaches to address this urgent public health issue, fostering community resilience and collaboration.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Forest Administration

Eligibility & Purpose:

Any county employing a professional forester in the capacity of county forest administrator or assistant county forest administrator can receive up to 50 percent of its employee's annual salary and fringe benefit costs. 

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.

The John H. Borden Scholarship, offered by the Entomological Society of Canada, supports postgraduate students in integrated pest management (IPM) with a focus on entomology. This award recognizes academic excellence and innovative research in IPM. Eligible candidates must be full-time postgraduate students at a Canadian institution, and previous achievements in the field will be considered during the selection process. The scholarship aims to foster dedication and advancement in pest ecology.

Incyte Corporation offers charitable contributions to organizations aligned with its mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer and other diseases. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, not-for-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should focus on healthcare and comply with relevant guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement to receive funding, and requests should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the decision deadline.

The Cannon Foundation Grants support capital and equipment projects in North Carolina, focusing on healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes established organizations and encourages collaboration with other funding sources. Grants are not available for operational expenses or start-up funding, and applicants must demonstrate a clear funding plan for ongoing operations. This foundation seeks to empower communities while avoiding dependency on funding.

The CSWEP Environmental Professionals Grant Program, organized by the Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals, aims to empower women in environmental fields. It funds local projects in Connecticut that contribute positively to the environment. The program prioritizes applications that demonstrate significant environmental benefits, ranging from clean-up initiatives to educational programs. Through this grant, SWEP-CT fosters leadership and collaboration among women professionals, enhancing their skills and promoting public service in environmental endeavors.

The Licensed Vocational Nurse Loan Repayment Program (LVNLRP) aims to enhance California's healthcare workforce by providing financial assistance to licensed vocational nurses. In exchange for a 12-month service commitment in medically underserved areas, participants can receive loan repayments of up to $8,000. Funded by the state, this initiative seeks to increase the number of trained nurses delivering essential patient care in qualified facilities across California.

The Georgia Bar Foundation provides grants to enhance access to justice in Georgia. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it supports organizations that assist low-income individuals, children in the justice system, and initiatives promoting legal education and understanding of democracy. Funding primarily comes from the IOLTA program, ensuring that qualified organizations can receive necessary resources to further their missions and impact the community positively.

The Darwin Plus People & Skills fund supports capacity building in UK Overseas Territories through training and professional development. It offers grants of up to £100,000 for projects lasting up to 24 months, aimed at OT nationals and long-term residents. This initiative enhances the ability to achieve long-term environmental goals in areas lacking permanent resident populations. It facilitates knowledge sharing and strategic outcomes for the natural environment in these regions.

Darwin Plus: About Us

Darwin Plus (also known as The Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund) is a UK government grants scheme that helps deliver long-term strategic outcomes for the unique biodiversity, the natural environment and improving resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). It is one of the Biodiversity Challenge Funds, which also includes the Darwin Initiative and the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, aimed at conserving biodiversity and safeguarding the environment for local people.

Most projects will include one or more of the following themes:

• Biodiversity: improving and conserving biodiversity, and slowing or reversing biodiversity loss and degradation;
• Climate change: responding to, mitigating and adapting to climate change and its effects on the natural environment and local communities;
• Environmental quality: improving the condition and protection of the natural environment;
• Capability and capacity building: enhancing the capacity within UKOTs to support the environment in the short- and long-term.
• Projects contribute to the delivery of existing commitments for individual Territories, such as those set out within the national biodiversity strategies, environmental action plans and roadmaps, or equivalent.

Darwin Plus

Darwin Plus is a UK government grants scheme that helps deliver long-term strategic outcomes for the unique biodiversity, the natural environment and improving resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories.

Darwin Plus Main

Darwin Plus Main is intended for environmental projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs), offering grants between £50,000 and £1 million, for projects lasting between 6 months and 3 years. Preference will be given to discrete projects implementing existing identified environmental solutions on the ground.

The Fennie Community Fund Grant, established by the Long Beach Community Foundation, supports charitable initiatives, particularly for children's organizations in Avalon and Long Beach. Since its inception in 1988, it has prioritized funding projects aligned with the Community Impact Fund. Eligible applicants are organizations addressing community needs in these areas. This grant represents a commitment to enhancing the welfare of local children and fostering community development.

CDBG Construction Grants 

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. 

Wastewater and Drinking Water (WDW) Program 

Many communities in Indiana struggle with inadequate water supply and failing wastewater treatment. OCRA is committed to improving the quality of water and wastewater in Indiana and assisting in financing appropriate water and sewer infrastructure for communities and counties that have planned and set priorities for long-term development.

The goals of the Wastewater and Drinking Water (WDW) Program are to protect health and the environment, reduce utility rates for low- to moderate-income communities, and improve rural infrastructure for long-term sustainability and growth. General eligible activities include wastewater improvements such as collection lines or treatment plans, or drink water system improvements such as water towers or distribution.

Grant amounts for communities with existing systems are based on the current rates at the time of application. Grant amounts for communities constructing new systems will be based on a verified rate study included in a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The amount of CDBG funds granted will be based on a $5,000-cost-per-project beneficiary.

A local match of 20% of the total project cost will be required for consideration of funding.

General types of activities that are eligible for WDW funding:

• Wastewater Improvements (collection lines, treatment plant, etc.)
• Drinking Water System Improvements (water tower, treatment, distribution)

The Federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance community responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. By fostering collaboration among law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services, this program ensures a comprehensive approach to address these issues. With a focus on effective strategies and accountability for offenders, the grant encourages innovative solutions to protect and support victims, ultimately aiming to improve safety across communities in Pennsylvania.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

School Bus Travel Grant

Receive a Grant to Visit the Hoover Campus

The Hoover School Bus Travel Grant provides funds to help schools meet the transportation costs of educational field trips to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. While we would like to cover all the costs of visits to the Hoover Campus, these funds are intended to subsidize travel costs. The program, funded entirely through contributions from private individuals, corporations, and foundations, is specifically intended to promote public education about and appreciation for Herbert Hoover.

The Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship Fund, established by passionate artists Cynthia and Alan Baran, aims to support young individuals pursuing their dreams in visual arts and music. This fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers scholarships to rising college students majoring in Fine Arts or Music, emphasizing the importance of creativity and academic achievement. With a commitment to fostering talent, this initiative empowers future generations to thrive in the arts.

The Fund for Women Grant, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls in Delaware. This one-year grant provides financial assistance for innovative programs that enhance the potential of women and girls. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and address the specific needs of this demographic. The grant aims to foster self-sufficiency and productive lives, ensuring that women and girls can achieve their full potential.

The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program aims to support community organizations and tribal governments in providing essential mentoring and transitional services for individuals returning from correctional facilities. This initiative targets those assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism, addressing their needs both pre-and post-release. By fostering successful reintegration into society, the program contributes to public safety and reduces recidivism rates, aligning with the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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 AGA-Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer provides $100,000 annually for three years to early-career faculty focused on independent research in pancreatic cancer. This award aims to protect at least 50% of the recipient's time for research activities. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be classified as early-career. The award encourages physician-scientists and underrepresented groups in biomedical research to apply, supporting innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in understanding pancreatic cancer.

The Sylvia J. Slominski Nursing Scholarship Endowment, established in 2009, aims to support aspiring nursing students. It honors Sylvia J. Slominski, a dedicated nurse and educator, by providing financial assistance for tuition and related expenses. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates or graduates in nursing, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship promotes excellence in nursing education and is open to residents of the Tri-Cities area.

The GroupGives Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, aims to assist individuals in securing and maintaining housing through education, home maintenance, and financial support. Established in 2012, it provides strategic grants to nonprofit organizations focused on affordable and supportive housing within Larimer County. With both annual Impact Grants and smaller project grants, GroupGives embodies the belief that every person deserves a place to call home.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce the Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research on December 2, 2025. This funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. The initiative encourages applicants to engage with patients and stakeholders to address critical healthcare dilemmas and improve decision-making. Projects should compare established clinical alternatives with evidence of efficacy, targeting vital health issues across diverse populations.

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 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program provides financial resources and consulting services to creative entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania, especially focusing on BIPOC individuals and those in low-income communities. By reserving 55% of funds for these groups, the program aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the creative sector, empowering entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and reach wider audiences while enhancing their revenues.

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.

The Focused In-Stream Habitat (FISH) project aims to enhance in-stream habitats in Maine through a collaborative effort by the Department of Marine Resources and NRCS. This initiative seeks to improve habitat diversity and connectivity for various fish species, particularly Atlantic salmon and brook trout. With funding from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the project will implement restoration practices including streambank stabilization and habitat complexity restoration, ultimately benefiting local ecosystems and fisheries.