Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Meserve Memorial Fund, established in 1983, is a private foundation that supports impactful public, charitable, and educational projects in the Greater Danbury area of Connecticut. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate measurable benefits and enhance service capacity. Eligible projects include those in arts, education, environment, and health, with a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific towns. The fund does not support individual grants or projects primarily benefiting religious groups.

The Maurice J. Masserini Trust Grant aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in the San Diego area. Established in memory of Maurice Masserini, a World War I veteran and passionate investor, this grant focuses on arts, education, environmental initiatives, health, human services, and religious organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while start-ups and general operating support requests are typically not funded. The Trust prioritizes specific project requests to ensure impactful contributions.

The Permian Basin Area Foundation offers grants to qualified nonprofit organizations in the Permian Basin and TransPecos regions, addressing various philanthropic purposes including animal services, arts, education, and health. Eligible organizations can apply every two years, provided they demonstrate significant impact and a clear plan for project implementation. The Foundation prioritizes projects that involve community participation and cannot be completed without external funding, ensuring effective use of resources for community benefit.

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship honors the legacy of Police Chief Harold "Hal" Johnson by providing financial support to aspiring law enforcement professionals. Established for students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, it encourages those with a passion for public service and a commitment to criminal justice. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, showcasing leadership qualities and financial need, ensuring a new generation of dedicated law enforcement personnel.

The Manhattan Community Health Foundation (MCHF) is committed to enhancing health and wellness in Manhattan, Kansas, by funding innovative projects that address critical health needs. The Community Grants program focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved populations, tackling social determinants of health, and promoting mental health initiatives. By partnering with local organizations, MCHF aims to create sustainable solutions that significantly improve health outcomes in the community, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The ASC: Emerging Creators Fellowship supports early-career artists in Mecklenburg County by providing essential resources for sustainable creative practices. Designed for vocational creatives, this fellowship empowers individuals at a crucial point in their artistic careers. Activities funded can include apprenticeships, innovative explorations, and project executions, all aimed at enhancing their artistic voice. This initiative fosters a vibrant cultural community, ensuring that local artists can thrive and contribute significantly to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

The Collins Foundation, established by William and Ruth Collins, supports charitable, educational, and religious causes in Boulder County, Colorado. With an average grant size between $2,000 and $7,500, the foundation awards 10 to 15 grants annually, totaling around $80,000 in yearly giving. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of November 30 for review at the January grant meeting. Eligible organizations must be public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3) serving Boulder County residents.

The Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to charitable organizations operating in Colorado. Established through the will of Mabel Y. Hughes, the trust focuses on arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and can apply once a year. This grant reflects Ms. Hughes' enduring legacy of philanthropy, fostering community development across various sectors.

The Virginia Community Foundation supports charitable projects that positively impact the greater Virginia area. Eligible organizations include 501c3 charities and public entities, with a focus on measurable results and community collaboration. Grant criteria emphasize sustainability and addressing community needs. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, or religious activities. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding, ensuring timely benefits for the community.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

The Marv VandenBosch Scholarship, established by Sandra VandenBosch and her children in memory of Marv VandenBosch, supports Tri-Cities students pursuing careers in criminal justice or law enforcement. This scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation administers the scholarship through a competitive process, ensuring that each applicant is thoroughly reviewed to promote academic achievement and community involvement.

The Clifton C. and Henryetta C. Doak Charitable Trust, established in memory of Dr. Clifton and Mrs. Henryetta Doak, aims to support charitable organizations in College Station, Texas. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can receive grants for various purposes including religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. This legacy reflects the Doaks' commitment to community service and development.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of mental health professionals who will contribute to our community’s well-being.

Michael L. Hamaker Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior or previous graduate from Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area seeking a career in engineering, manufacturing or industrial technologies with programs such as, but not limited to, architecture, construction, drafting, electronics, welding and/or other related technologies. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.

The Fisheries Innovation Fund's Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program aims to enhance fisheries management through electronic technologies. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this initiative will support U.S. fisheries in implementing electronic monitoring tools to improve data collection, accessibility, and management. The program is open to various fisheries, including commercial and recreational sectors, promoting sustainable practices and fostering stakeholder involvement for better fishery information systems.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

 Northern Berks Connects - Building Relationships and Access to Support Our Communities' Needs

In 2024, United Way’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report revealed that many working families in Berks County earn above the Federal Poverty Level yet still struggle to meet basic living costs. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural areas, including Northern Berks County, where access to social services is limited. Notably, nearly half of the households in the Hamburg Area School District meet the ALICE threshold, underscoring a critical need for coordinated, localized support.

In response, Berks County Community Foundation launched a community-driven engagement initiative and partnered with the Institute for Conservation Leadership to convene more than 40 community leaders across Northern Berks County over the course of the past year. These discussions identified community assets and needs, a lack of coordination of services, as well as first-step strategies. This collaborative effort resulted in the formation of Northern Berks Connects, a community-led initiative focused on building relationships among community leaders and increasing knowledge and access to needed services.  

Berks County Community Foundation, in partnership with Northern Berks Connects, invites proposals from schools and nonprofit entities to support a one-year pilot program. The selected organization will provide and oversee staff responsible for developing and maintaining a localized resource guide for the Hamburg area and its surrounding municipalities, coordinating community networking events, and supporting collaboration among community leaders. This initiative seeks to improve access to essential resources for meeting basic human needs.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to carry out the following activities:

• Coordinate, plan, and host two to three (2–3) Northern Berks Connects networking events annually.
• Collaborate with the Northern Berks Connects Steering Committee to respond to identified community needs.
• Create and maintain a Northern Berks Connects website and localized digital and printed resource guide.
• Regularly update and maintain the web-based and printable resource guide.
• Distribute resource information to participants in Northern Berks Connects.
• Explore and develop strategies to support the sustainability of the initiative over the next two to three years.

The Hutton Parker Foundation is offering Core/General Operating Support in 2025 to eligible nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County focused on Health & Human Services and Arts & Culture. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity and sustainability by providing unrestricted funds for essential operations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and have a strong management structure. Priority is given to programs benefiting underserved populations, particularly low-income children, older adults, and individuals facing disabilities or homelessness.

The Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation Grant is dedicated to fostering environmental resilience and social justice, particularly in the Bay Area and Pittsburgh. It seeks innovative projects that enhance sustainable economies and address climate change through inclusive solutions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focused on these geographical areas. The Foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives but does not fund conference support, endowments, or organizations outside the U.S. For more details, please refer to the Foundation's FAQs.

The Northland Community Foundation Grant seeks to enhance life quality in the Northland by connecting donors with community needs. Focusing on mental health, senior care, childcare, and transportation, it aims to address gaps identified in the 2023 Community Needs Assessment. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving Clay and Platte counties, promoting sustainable programs for children's well-being. This initiative encourages philanthropic investment where it has the greatest impact.

The Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Grant is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing the instructional capacity of Texas school systems. By integrating key elements of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, LIFT provides comprehensive support to districts. The program ensures all Texas students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction daily, promoting sustainable improvement through strong leadership and high-quality instructional materials.

The BIE Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing full-time degrees in STEM fields at accredited institutions. This need-based award ranges from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information provided by the institution's Financial Aid Office. Eligible students must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

The City of Franklin Nonprofit Funding Program supports local nonprofit organizations by providing funding to enhance their community impact. Eligible organizations, including 501C3, 501C6, and 501C4 entities, can apply for allocations to promote the welfare of Franklin residents and create job opportunities. The program emphasizes compliance with state regulations and non-discrimination principles, ensuring fair access to funds for all qualified applicants.

The European Research Prize, established by the SOM Foundation in 2021, awards €20,000 to a faculty-led interdisciplinary team in Europe for original research on mobility corridors. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to infrastructure that enhance sustainable growth and community engagement. Eligible faculty from accredited architecture and engineering programs can apply, fostering collaboration across disciplines. This year’s focus is on how interconnected systems can shape the future of urban environments.

The Michael & Anna Kurty Scholarship for Engineering students supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering. Established by Mr. and Mrs. George Kurty, this scholarship aims to honor Mr. Kurty's parents while promoting educational opportunities in fields such as chemical, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, ensuring that deserving students have the chance to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.

The Kenneth I. Juster Fellowships for Undergraduate Research and Travel, offered by the Weatherhead Center at Harvard University, provide financial support for Harvard undergraduates pursuing field research or experiences in international relations, trade, and development. Grants vary based on destination and project type. Eligible students include sophomores, juniors, and seniors, primarily within social sciences, and projects can be conducted during winter break or term-time leaves.

The Tulalip Cares: Charitable Fund Grant aims to promote a sustainable community by providing financial support to eligible charitable organizations in Washington State. Since 1993, this initiative has significantly impacted local communities, focusing on arts, education, social services, and youth programs. With over 50 million dollars allocated to more than 245 organizations, the Tulalip Tribes encourage collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life in the region, prioritizing funding for those located in Snohomish County.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or less to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. With a focus on Human Services, the foundation also considers requests from categories such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and utilize funds for the benefit of local citizens. Applications are limited to one per year, ensuring careful consideration for impactful projects.