Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Limited Competition: Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program's Collaborative and Innovative Acceleration Award aims to enhance translational research by fostering collaboration in developing and implementing innovative solutions. This funding opportunity invites applications focused on new approaches and technologies that will improve research impact across various diseases and expedite treatment availability. Eligible applicants include organizations with active CTSA hub prime or partnering awards.

The Polar Access Fund Grant supports young researchers aiming to conduct their first field trip in polar regions or remote high-altitude areas. Co-funded by the Swiss Polar Institute and BNP Paribas Swiss Foundation, it offers up to CHF 20,000 for projects linked to climate change. This initiative encourages doctoral and early post-doctoral researchers to gain vital fieldwork experience while adhering to high safety and sustainability standards. Proposals must be part of a broader research project at a Swiss public institution.

The Raiders Foundation Grant aims to uplift the community by supporting military members, veterans, health and wellness initiatives, and youth development. With over $8 million granted since 2018, the Foundation focuses on enhancing social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered nonprofits in Nevada, demonstrate sound leadership, and provide diverse community services. The Foundation prioritizes integrity in program implementation and does not fund schools or football development programs.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

New Jersey Department of Education

The New Jersey Department of Education supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence. Its vision is focused on becoming a model organization that strengthens teaching, leading and learning in order to increase educational equity for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion Grants

The Bond Act provides $350 million in grants for eligible projects that expand CTE programs in CVSDs and enhance school security in all school districts. Of the $350 million, $275 million has been allocated for use by CVSDs to fund school facilities construction projects that support CTE program expansion in accordance with labor market demands and economic development goals. The grant objective is to increase district capacity to offer CTE programs to prepare students for high demand, technically skilled careers aligned with labor market demands .

Eligible Work: Renovation of existing square footage to increase the number of student seats; New construction, such as a building addition, or stand-alone building, to increase the number of student seats; Physical plant upgrades needed to support the conversion of existing space to support an eligible CTE program or a building addition that increases the number of student seats; The purchase and installation of furniture and equipment, including technology, in new, renovated, or reassigned spaces; Site improvements related to CTE program expansion; or Demolition of non-instructional buildings, or portions of buildings, to accommodate new construction that increases the number of student seats. 

The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas Grant provides an opportunity for residents to contribute to their community through philanthropic efforts. Open from September 1 to October 1, 2023, it supports non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities. The Foundation enables citizens to make impactful gifts, from memorial contributions to ongoing support for children's issues, ensuring that charitable efforts enhance the quality of life in Southwest Kansas.

The CWF Indigenous Manitoba Wildlife Fellowship Endowment Fund supports research students dedicated to wildlife conservation in Northern Manitoba. This initiative integrates Indigenous perspectives and aims to foster sustainability in wildlife management. Eligible candidates include Indigenous students and Canadian citizens pursuing full-time studies at Manitoba-based institutions. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, established in 1962, oversees this fund, promoting harmony between Canadians and nature through education, advocacy, and conservation efforts.

Whiteis Fine Arts and Agriculture Scholarship Fund

Ms. Bonnie Whiteis opened the Whiteis Fine Arts and Agriculture Scholarship Fund in 2008 to benefit graduating seniors from Archer or Wichita County high schools. The Whiteis Scholarship can be used at any college or university in Texas in pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts or Agriculture. Students must have a 2.5 GPA, financial need, and will be evaluated on participation in high school and community activities. This is a $5,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to 4 years based on academic performance.

The Virtual Living Room Grant Program aims to create welcoming spaces for veterans in rural communities, providing access to advanced medical technologies via telehealth. By establishing these rooms in accessible locations, veterans can connect with VA resources without the burden of travel, ensuring they receive essential care in a comfortable environment. This initiative not only supports health access but also fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for our nation's heroes.

The Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The Michelson Smart Justice Initiative offers Smart Justice Spark Grants aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting the re-entry of system-impacted individuals through enhanced access to education and employment. The initiative focuses on expanding pathways for incarcerated individuals pursuing firefighting careers and improving higher education programming in prisons. It seeks innovative projects that promote policy advocacy, ensure educational quality, and facilitate housing for reentering individuals, ultimately contributing to successful reintegration into society.

The Bon Secours Richmond Healthcare Foundation provides support through its Event Sponsorship Requests Grant, aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. Applications are accepted monthly, with a recommendation to apply at least six months prior to the event. This initiative emphasizes partnerships that build healthier neighborhoods and tackle social determinants of health, reflecting the foundation's commitment to serving the underserved and improving quality of life for all.

The Herbek Humanitarian Award honors a CAP member pathologist for significant contributions to the See, Test & Treat® program, which offers free cancer screenings to underserved women. Established in 2011, it commemorates Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, who pioneered this initiative for Native Americans. Nominees must have led or significantly contributed to the program, with submissions due by May 3, 2024. Self-nominations or incomplete entries will not be accepted, ensuring high standards in recognition.

The Global Pathology Development Grant, offered by the CAP Foundation, aims to enhance global health by expanding pathology services. With up to $10,000 in funding, it supports impactful projects in under-resourced areas, focusing on education, patient care, and laboratory quality. Eligible applicants include global pathology organizations and pathologists dedicated to improving services. The grant prioritizes sustainable initiatives that strengthen local capacities and enhance laboratory diagnostics, ensuring quality and adherence to international standards.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Everest Institute Alumni Fund Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to a graduating senior from a community of color residing in our 8-county region who plans to attend Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship or pursue a similar post-secondary business degree or certificate program.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; paid in one lump sum.

Donor Information

This scholarship was created by contributions from Everest Institute alumni; the fund was transferred from a bank to the Community Foundation in 1991.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers the Resilient Florida – Planning Grants to support local governments and organizations in resilience planning efforts. These grants aim to enhance the assessment of vulnerabilities to critical assets, ensuring that coastal communities can recover more swiftly from natural disasters. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, and water management districts, which can also collaborate with the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Science and Innovation to address data gaps.

The ABPN Dorthea Juul, PhD, Education Research Award offers up to $100,000 for research projects aligned with the ABPN's mission of enhancing lifelong learning and certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists. Two awards each in psychiatry and neurology are available annually, with projects lasting up to two years. Eligible applicants must hold faculty appointments or have confirmed offers, comply with conflict of interest policies, and, if MDs or DOs, maintain ABPN certification and licensure.

The STOP Statewide Training and Technical Assistance: Law Enforcement grant, funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement in addressing domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence. This initiative provides essential training and technical assistance to ensure Pennsylvania's law enforcement officers can effectively respond to and mitigate these critical issues. Quarterly programmatic and fiscal reporting is required to monitor the grant's impact and efficacy.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

Our Mission

The Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and media artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.

Sally Menke Editing Fellowship

Description of Fellowship

The Sally Menke Editing Fellowship will include the following elements:

• Two editing mentors; collaboration with Sundance Institute staff to identify the mentors who will be available from July 2026 through May 2027. You will engage in monthly meetings with one or both of the mentors for advice on the editing process and potential opportunities for career development. When appropriate, there might be a key moment to observe mentors at work during an essential part of their process.

• Invitation to join the American Cinema Editors as an associate member. Benefits include receiving the ACE CinemaEditor Magazine, invitations to events, and screeners, with the opportunity to vote for the Feature Film Best Editing categories as part of the ACE Awards.

• Invitations to join periodic informal gatherings of the cohort of Menke fellows.

• Invitation to join the Art of Editing event at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, where the annual Menke fellow is announced.

• Participation as an editor for two of the directing fellows at the 2026 Sundance Directors Lab (fellow must be available to attend in person at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, anticipated dates June 10–23, 2026).

The Heiser Program for Research in Leprosy, established by Dr. Victor G. Heiser, focuses on innovative biomedical research to combat leprosy. Since 1975, it has funded over 200 grants totaling more than $20 million, supporting early-career researchers and significant projects. The program aims to enhance diagnostic tools, improve treatments, and implement effective surveillance strategies. With a dedicated Scientific Advisory Committee, it ensures rigorous proposal reviews and fosters collaboration among grantees, ultimately advancing leprosy elimination efforts.

The Grigg-Lewis Foundation Grant supports projects benefiting residents of Eastern Niagara County and Western New York. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and community improvement. Grants of $90,000 or more are reviewed quarterly, while smaller requests are considered at staff discretion. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability and provide a 501(c)(3) letter. The foundation prioritizes collaborations among nonprofits but gives lower priority to scholarships and religious organizations not historically supported by its founder.

The Manatee Community Foundation offers competitive grants aimed at enhancing arts and culture for youth in the community. Their mission focuses on supporting youth music, theater, dance programs, and public art projects, alongside promoting arts access for underrepresented groups. With a commitment to inclusivity and community growth, they prioritize organizations that have demonstrated success and strong governance. The foundation has invested over $65 million in local communities, emphasizing sustainable practices and addressing the needs of Manatee County residents.

The New Jersey State and Community Highway Safety Grant Project aims to enhance traffic safety by addressing issues such as impaired driving, seat belt usage, and the proper use of child passenger restraints. With approximately $15 million in funding for the upcoming federal fiscal year, this initiative will support various programs by state agencies and nonprofits to improve enforcement and safety measures for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

The DCNR All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Grant Program supports projects that enhance Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include municipalities and pre-qualified organizations focused on ATV and snowmobile trails. The grant covers land acquisition, planning, development, maintenance, and educational programs, promoting safety and environmental protection. Funding is sourced from the ATV and Snowmobile Management Restricted Accounts, encouraging community conservation and responsible enjoyment of natural resources.

The Wetherby Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support underprivileged children in Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Funding priorities include educational programs, nature appreciation initiatives, and basic needs support. Eligible projects may involve summer camps, collaboration with local organizations, and assistance for children with disabilities. Nonprofits, governmental entities, and religious organizations may apply for grants to enhance children's well-being and promote community strength.