Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Cape Ann Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to support projects that enhance the quality of life in the Cape Ann region, including Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and local government entities focused on regional promotion, economic development, and workforce training. This initiative aims to foster community growth and vitality through impactful projects.

The Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Aylward Law Scholarship supports Chelan and Douglas County high school graduates pursuing a degree in Law or Paralegal studies. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. This scholarship encourages local students to advance their legal education, fostering a new generation of legal professionals committed to serving their communities.

The Canton Community Fund Grants, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, support local non-profits to enhance community life in Canton, NY. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities, schools, and municipalities. Grants fund special projects, program start-ups, and capital items not covered by regular maintenance. Individuals cannot apply, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis, encouraging ongoing community improvement through education, the arts, and more.

Bashas’ Purposeful Giving initiative focuses on supporting organizations that align with its community-driven pillars, including child welfare, food access, and sustainability. Since its inception in 1932, Bashas’ has contributed over $100 million to local causes, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness. Organizations must be located within Bashas’ operational areas and hold a 501(c)(3) status. Requests are reviewed within four weeks through an online portal, with specific guidelines to ensure alignment with Bashas' mission.

The Community Shopping Days Grant supports local nonprofits and organizations in Bellingham and Whatcom County by providing 2% of combined sales from Co-op locations on designated shopping days. Eligible groups focus on areas such as food sustainability, social justice, and community development. This initiative promotes equity and inclusion while fostering community engagement. Applications for the 2026 program are now being accepted, with priority given to organizations that have not received funding in the past two years.

About Us

The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) serves as a key coordinator, working collaboratively with other State agencies and stakeholders to address critical long-term issues facing the State of Maine. We support planning and implementation by providing research, data, and innovative policy solutions.

Service Provider Grants

Service Provider Grants support service provider organizations to assist communities with climate action, energy and resilience planning.

There are two Service Provider Grant Tracks:

Track 1 Community Enrollment Service Provider Grants enable organizations to assist up to five communities to prepare for and enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership and then apply for grant funds to undertake priority climate and energy projects.

Track 2 Community Vulnerability Assessment Service Provider Grants enable organizations to assist up to five enrolled/enrolling Communities to complete community vulnerability assessments that identify vulnerable community members, infrastructure, and assets, and then utilize that data to further prioritize climate action projects and apply for grant funds.

Service Provider organizations can apply for both grant tracks, but can only submit one application per track. 

As part of the application to the program, prospective service providers will recruit a group of up to five communities. Prospective service providers may request up to $15,000 per community.

Applicants will include a letter of support from each community in the proposed group. Letters must be submitted with the application. Letters received separately will not be read.

For all Service Provider Grants, a 15% cost share is required of the service provider. In-kind match is permitted.

The Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future offers Community Action Grants to support local climate initiatives. These grants, totaling up to $4.6 million, empower communities to implement climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Eligible applicants include municipal and tribal governments, which can apply for up to $75,000 individually or $175,000 jointly. The program aims to enhance local resilience by encouraging community-driven climate actions that align with the state's climate strategy.

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation was formed in 1994 to coordinate and provide philanthropic support for community betterment projects in Monroe County. The foundation is made up of community minded individuals who have the ability to assess community needs, implement asset development, evaluate area grant applications, encourage partnerships and initiate activities to enhance Monroe County and its communities. Beginning in 2006, the Foundation has granted awards to worthwhile projects located in the county that are identified through a community grants application process. Our foundation’s areas of emphasis include:

• Arts & Culture
• Community Betterment
• Education
• Health & Human Services
• Recreation & Environment
• Youth Development

The Monroe County Fund is an affiliate of the Iowa Community Affiliate Network, a collaboration of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation (GDMCF) and the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation, who have recognized the need for new avenues to encourage philanthropy throughout Iowa. The Iowa Community Affiliate Network currently serves 31 counties throughout Iowa, including an “umbrella” or “Family” of related funds benefiting specific communities and projects. Each Affiliate advises on a geographically focused collection of funds. They are components of the GDMCF sharing in its tax-exempt status and developed to increase the philanthropic base for Monroe County.

Monroe County Iowa Community Foundation Grants

The Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation makes grants to tax exempt organizations including units of government to assist in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of our County and its communities. Our foundation promotes endowment building, community grantmaking, organizational collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the Monroe County area.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Terry D. and Carol A. Agness Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Terry and Carol Agness’ children created this scholarship to honor their parents who believed in supporting local community projects like Meals on Wheels, the Honeywell Center, education, and students. The scholarship is awarded to a Purdue student pursuing a degree in engineering or business and is based on academic performance, school activities, church involvement, work experience, and financial need.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Jackson County Community Foundation Grant Program, established in 1992, provides grants to local nonprofits addressing community needs. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, focusing on issues like food insecurity, youth safety, and substance abuse. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units. Special consideration is given to those serving Jackson County's vulnerable populations. This program empowers donors and strengthens community assets through competitive annual grantmaking.

The OEPA Source Reduction Grant provides funding to governments, non-profits, and educational institutions for purchasing equipment that promotes reuse, such as water bottle refilling stations and dishwashers. With a maximum grant request of $10,000, the program aims to reduce single-use plastic products. However, costs related to installation and maintenance are not covered. This initiative encourages sustainable practices in communities by supporting investments in environmentally friendly equipment.

The Eric A. Baade and Mary C. Baade Charitable Purposes Trust, established in 1958, aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in Allen County, Indiana. The trust encourages organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. While there are no strict geographic limitations, local initiatives are prioritized to enhance community impact.

The Meramec Regional Affiliate Grantmaking Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities in the Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Osage, and Washington counties. With a total funding of $1,500, two grants of $750 will be awarded. The program emphasizes flexible grantmaking to address community needs without discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors.

The Aurora Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers up to $10,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Aurora area. Grant proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, prioritizing projects that address pressing community needs. The program emphasizes equitable access, ensuring no discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

The Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department David Zuskin Memorial Scholarship Endowment honors local emergency responders by promoting higher education. Established in 1986, it prioritizes students volunteering with the Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department or those related to its members. Applicants interested in medical fields or emergency services training are favored. The scholarship supports tuition and educational fees, ensuring David Zuskin's legacy of service and community support continues.

The Mountain Grove Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through strategic grantmaking. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Mountain Grove Area. Grants of up to $2,000 are available, with a commitment to non-discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors. This program emphasizes community needs and the importance of local leadership in decision-making.

The AmeriCorps Oregon Planning Grants offer funding to assist organizations in developing new AmeriCorps programs that tackle community challenges. These cost-reimbursement grants provide essential resources for planning and capacity building. Successful applicants receive training and technical assistance from OregonServes, enhancing their ability to implement compliant programs. By completing the planning grant, organizations will be better positioned to apply for fully-funded AmeriCorps grants in the future. Applications are accepted year-round with a final deadline of December 29.

The F. W. Symmes Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Greenville County, South Carolina, by supporting charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives. Established by Fred W. Symmes, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission and are recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. With a minimum grant request of $20,000, the foundation focuses on impactful projects, particularly capital improvements, while ensuring financial sustainability for ongoing programs.

The John W. and Anna H. Hanes Foundation Grant, established in 1947, aims to enhance the lives of North Carolina citizens, initially focusing on Forsyth County. The foundation supports short-term projects in arts, health, environment, and social services, prioritizing public charities in Winston-Salem. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in North Carolina. Grants are generally not for operational costs but may cover initial stages of programs.

The Doyuti T’uhkama Grant, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, supports various initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Native people and Californians. Since its inception in 2016, it has allocated $90 million to projects focusing on cultural preservation, education, and health within Patwin territory. Grants range from $200,000 to $2 million, prioritizing partnerships with tribes, non-profits, and local agencies. Letters of Intent are welcomed year-round, reviewed biannually.

The Creative Experiences Grants, launched by the Mass Cultural Council, aim to enhance cultural engagement through diverse activities in arts, humanities, and sciences. With funding amounts of $2,500 and $5,000, these grants support projects that promote public participation and accessibility from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions, ensuring that cultural experiences are available to all members of the community.

The Trull Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives focused on children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and environmental projects in coastal Texas. Applications are accepted year-round, but early submission is encouraged. Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its focus areas and may not fund events that have already occurred or make long-term commitments.

The Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz Charitable Trust Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the San Antonio area, focusing on arts, culture, education, and ecumenical programs. Established in memory of sisters Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz, the trust honors their legacy of philanthropy and community support. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, encouraging initiatives that enrich the cultural and educational landscape of Bexar County, Texas.

The North Baldwin Community Foundation Grant provides funding to enhance the quality of life in Bay Minette and surrounding areas. Open for the 2024-2025 cycle, it targets local nonprofits addressing critical community needs through arts, education, and health initiatives. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that demonstrate community impact and sustainable practices. Collaboration among organizations is encouraged to maximize effectiveness and reach underserved populations.

The Lindberg Foundation Trust Grant, established in 1954, supports various charitable causes in Washington. Founded by W. H. and Isabel P. Lindberg, it has a history of philanthropy that includes contributions to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Humane Society. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, offering grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the state. This commitment reflects the Lindbergs' legacy of community support and cultural enrichment.