Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Department of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. DOLA provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration.

Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), in partnership with Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with funding from HB24-1313 (C.R.S. §§ 29-35-201 — 29-35-210), offers state assistance to local governments through the Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure Grant Program (TOCI) for the purpose of upgrading infrastructure and supporting regulated affordable housing in Transit Centers and designated Neighborhood Centers within certified Transit-Oriented Communities.

A minimum of 25% local match of the total project cost is required. Applicants able to provide a higher level of match may be scored more competitively, although all applicants will be evaluated on the contents and merit of the application and the intended impact of grant fund utilization towards infrastructure implementation. An applicant experiencing financial hardship may request a reduced level of matching funds upon consultation with DOLA Grants Staff before submitting their application with a reduced match.

Transit in Greater Minnesota

Greater Minnesota Tribal Transit Vehicle Grant

The Greater Minnesota Tribal Transit Vehicle Grant provides financial assistance to purchase a transit vehicle to enhance Tribal transit programs in Greater Minnesota. This capital grant program supports replacement and/or expansion of transit vehicles. State funding will be used for this grant opportunity administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The Fredericksburg Savings Charitable Foundation Fund, established in 1998, supports nonprofit programs and projects in the Rappahannock River Region. With a strong commitment to community development, education, and health, the fund has donated over $691,000 to local nonprofits. It prioritizes proposals that align with its values of stewardship, inspiration, collaboration, vision, and accountability, ensuring impactful philanthropy for the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

The Roberts-Miller Children's Fund, administered by the Gaston Community Foundation, is dedicated to providing financial assistance to children under 18 in North Carolina facing serious medical, dental, or related needs. This fund aims to support those who lack access to necessary services due to financial constraints. Additionally, it extends support to organizations aiding these children, ensuring that essential care and equipment are accessible to those most in need.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi's State Board of Health was established in 1877, and became the Mississippi State Department of Health in 1982.

Mission: The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi.

Telehealth Hub Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program

Purpose

The State of Mississippi, through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), invites Eligible Providers (defined as Mississippi-located hospitals, physician practices (including solo practitioners), rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Native American Sovereign Tribe healthcare facilities, certified community behavioral health clinics, substance use disorder facilities, dental care services, and licensed long-term care facilities located in rural areas or servicing rural populations) to apply for funding through the Telehealth Hud Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program (TCE).

TCE is part of the State’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (the Plan) and is funded under the Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program).

TCE Goal

Provide funding to entities to support necessary enhancements to increase telehealth visits across rural and underserved communities to reduce barriers, expand access to specialty care, and improve preventive care. This will be accomplished by increasing the number of telehealth hubs across the State, improving connectivity, and encouraging higher utilization among patients. 

State Funded Highway-Railroad Crossings Program

KDOT offers several highway-railroad funding opportunities to improve safety at highway/railroad crossings. These include: 

Highway/Railroad Crossing Program Safety Funds: This federal-aid program finances up to 100% of the cost for installing protective devices and eliminating hazards at public highway/railroad grade crossings. Crossings are prioritized based on a hazard index that considers highway and train traffic, as well as warning devices. 

Railroad Crossing Surfacing: This program focuses on improving the surfaces and approaches of at-grade crossings on rural state highways and City Connecting Links in small cities. Funding is split 50/50 between the state and railroad companies. 

State Funded Highway/Railroad Crossing: This state-funded program allocates $300,000 annually for projects that don't qualify for federal aid. Projects are funded with 80% state funds and 20% railroad company funds. 

ALDOT

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) manages statewide transportation and administers Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds through programs such as Section 5311, which supports rural public transportation, and Section 5310, which serves seniors and individuals with disabilities. ALDOT, through its Transit Section and initiatives like RTAP & ALTRANS, is dedicated to ensuring communities across Alabama have access to safe, reliable, and equitable transportation services, while providing critical support to transit providers throughout the state.

Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program 

The Local Transportation Bureau of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is now accepting Applications for funding through the Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. This program is supported by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and offers funding to help provide transit services for the State’s population of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Those eligible may apply for Capital Assistance. For Capital Assistance through the Section 5310 Program, funding is provided with an 80/20 split: FTA/Provider respectively.

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Microenterprise Grants aim to support economic development in New Hampshire by providing funding for entrepreneurial training and technical assistance to low- and moderate-income micro-business owners and start-ups. This program is administered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and focuses on projects that enhance community viability and opportunities, particularly for individuals with limited resources.

Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas

The Rainwater Charitable Foundation is launching the Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas (BRING IT), a new funding opportunity designed to support innovative ideas in brain health and dementia research across Texas.

BRING IT will provide one-year seed grants of up to $100,000 to Texas-based academic institutions and nonprofit organizations to accelerate promising research, foster collaboration, and generate the preliminary data and proof-of-concept evidence that can help seed a strong pipeline of innovative brain health and dementia research across Texas.

With the launch of DPRIT, Texas has a unique opportunity to expand its leadership in brain health and dementia research. BRING IT is designed to help seed and strengthen this growing research ecosystem by supporting innovative ideas, building collaborations, and generating early evidence that can help promising research move forward.

What We’re Looking For

RCF is seeking focused, innovative pilot projects that can advance brain health and dementia research while positioning promising ideas for future development and larger-scale funding.

Projects should be designed for completion within 12 months and generate a clear foundation for next-stage research, implementation, validation, or funding. Competitive proposals should address an important unmet need or research opportunity, demonstrate a strong and feasible approach, and show how the work could position the team for future DPRIT or other external funding.

BRING IT is particularly interested in projects that leverage Texas-based expertise, populations, institutions, healthcare systems, community organizations, datasets, infrastructure, or collaborations.

Areas of Interest

BRING IT will support projects aligned with five strategic topic areas reflecting anticipated DPRIT priorities and emerging opportunities in dementia research.

Support the translation of evidence-based innovations into real-world clinical and community settings. Areas of interest include brain and vascular health and dementia risk-reduction programs, blood-based biomarkers, AI-enabled clinical decision support, digital health technologies, community screening programs, care coordination models, and approaches that improve adoption in primary care, rural healthcare systems, and other medically underserved settings.

Projects should emphasize scalability and the potential to improve implementation of evidence-based brain health interventions, delay cognitive decline, promote timely diagnosis, reduce dementia risk, or enhance care.

Develop, validate, or apply New Approach Methodologies that improve the efficiency, predictive power, and translational relevance of dementia research.

Areas of interest include human iPSC-derived models, organoids, organ-on-chip systems, computational and AI-driven disease models, digital twins, neurovascular models, and other innovative platforms that can accelerate therapeutic discovery, biomarker development, or target validation.

Explore how digital health technologies and computational tools can help identify cognitive changes or risk factors within existing healthcare settings.

Projects may incorporate natural language processing, computer vision, clinical decision support systems, wearable sensors, speech analysis, retinal imaging, or other approaches that can be integrated into primary care and community health settings, particularly those serving rural and medically underserved populations.

Use machine learning and computational approaches to identify promising opportunities to repurpose existing regulatory-approved drugs for dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Projects may explore disease-modifying or symptomatic treatment strategies and should establish a computational workflow that can provide a translational bridge to future validation studies.

Develop innovative approaches to identify and reduce dementia risk by addressing modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline.

Areas of interest include physical activity, nutrition, sleep, cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, hearing loss, and other modifiable risk factors. Projects may incorporate digital health technologies, wearable devices, AI, or community-based implementation approaches to improve brain health, reduce dementia risk, and support healthy aging across Texas populations.

The V.I. Minahan Journalism Scholarship, established in 2004 by Marilee Minahan in honor of her late husband, supports aspiring journalists. Two awards of $2,000 each are available for students pursuing degrees in Multimedia Journalism, Advertising, or Public Relations at UW-Oshkosh, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship celebrates Vic Minahan's legacy as a dedicated publisher and veteran, fostering new talent in the field of journalism.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

The Action, Implementation, and Mitigation (AIM) Grants, offered by COCO, support organizations in enhancing wildfire risk reduction efforts. Since 2018, COCO has assisted over 90 groups, focusing on community resilience and restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. Projects should align with broader wildfire strategies and require a 100% cash or in-kind match, promoting inclusive and effective community mitigation approaches.

About

Since its founding in 1977, the El Paso Community Foundation has awarded more than $249,142,042 in grants to nonprofit organizations and individuals in the greater El Paso region. We constantly look for innovative approaches to solve community problems and to meet our community’s ever evolving needs.

The El Paso Community Foundation and its supporting organizations respond to the needs of nonprofit organizations by providing grants in the greater El Paso region.

Burkitt Foundation Perpetual Fund

The grant provides funding for Catholic Schools (K-12) in the dioceses of Galveston-Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso; and hunger and nutrition services in the El Paso County area

Granting Areas of Interest:

• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Environment/Animals
• Health and Disabilities
• Human Services (basic human needs)
• Economic Development

Granting Priorities

• Projects that will result in more effective ways of doing things — ideas that require risk-taking
• Projects that can create an impact with a moderate amount of grant money
• Projects that show collaboration with other organizations

The Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach recognizes faculty excellence in environmental engineering outreach. This annual award honors individuals who significantly contribute to global community health through education, research, and mentorship. Recipients receive a $500 cash award and a plaque. Nominations from students are welcomed, and past nominations can be modified within three years. This award aims to highlight sustained leadership and service in the environmental engineering field.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Mission: To ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.

About H2Ohio

H2Ohio is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization.

H2Ohio Healthy Rivers Livery Grant

The H2Ohio Healthy Rivers Livery Grant promotes clean water and rivers across Ohio. The program supports livery owners in removing trash from rivers and addressing long-standing cleanup needs. The grant supports up to $10,000 in costs to clean up Ohio’s rivers and streams. 

Livery owners and their staff spend countless hours on their home waters supporting healthy use of Ohio’s natural resources. They know the trash cleanup needs of their river. Many sponsor cleanups and sweeps but are often unable to handle larger trash types or host enough volunteers to manage their litter problems. This program will boost their efforts.

All grant expenditures and cost share contributions must occur during the program period.

The Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated community servant and family man, Doug Pfautz. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, this scholarship supports high school seniors from the Elizabethtown Area School District who demonstrate good moral character and a commitment to community service. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and plan to pursue further education. This one-time award encourages students to embody the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self', continuing Doug's legacy of service.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) supports and manages the Commonwealth's vast transportation network, helping to enhance the quality of life in our communities and keep PA's economy moving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways.

Over 75% of PennDOT's annual budget is invested in Pennsylvania's approximately 122,000 miles of state and local highways and 32,000 state and local bridges. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,400 bridges, a system first established in 1911. PennDOT also administers the state's 11.8 million vehicle registrations and 10.2 million driver's licenses and IDs, and oversees safety and emission inspection programs.

5310 Private Non-Profit Vehicle Grants

The Federal Section 5310 program funds vehicles to enhances mobility for seniors and/or individuals with disabilities. These federal funds support the purchase of vehicles for local public transportation providers who provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Shared Ride service in Pennsylvania.

In addition, Pennsylvania awards funds to Private Non-Profit (PNP) Organizations through a competitive process. PennDOT’s Bureau of Public Transportation (BPT) partially funds the procurement of accessible vehicles for awarded applicants. PennDOT provides awards to PNPs to fill gaps in service that cannot be provided by local public transportation providers.

Capital Expenses

Vehicles eligible as capital expenses under the Federal Section 5310 program include:

PNPs:

• Accessible small buses
• Accessible vans
• Accessible minivans

Passengers

Federal Section 5310-funded vehicles must transport passengers who are seniors and/or individuals with disabilities.

• Seniors: individuals 65 years or older.
• Individuals with Disabilities: individuals with a temporary or permanent disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Perry L. McCarty AEESP Founders' Award, presented by the AEESP Foundation, honors outstanding contributions to environmental engineering education and research. It recognizes a professor's excellence in these fields, offering a plaque, a $1500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are accepted annually, with past submissions considered for three years. Careful adherence to nomination guidelines is essential for eligibility.

The Visionaries for Change Grant, established by Black leaders in Hampton Roads, aims to support Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits that enhance opportunities in Black communities. Focused on economic empowerment, the grant encourages initiatives that strengthen local businesses and promote financial literacy. Grants typically average $5,000 and organizations are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring support is directed to those in need. This initiative fosters community growth and resilience in an underserved region.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence program aims to implement effective violence reduction strategies targeting juvenile offenders. This initiative focuses on enhancing community capabilities to assist children affected by violence in various environments, including homes and schools. By strengthening local responses to child victimization, the program seeks to diminish the incidence of violence and alleviate the long-term adverse effects that such exposure can have on children's well-being.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. HLC also distributes funding to municipalities, oversees the state-aided public housing portfolio, and supports programming for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

HLC offers programs to help prevent homelessness and to help people afford housing. It also offers housing programs and financial assistance for municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and developers. HLC administers programs for people seeking shelter, affordable housing and home energy assistance, as well as for developers, municipalities and others. 

Community Planning Grant Program

The Community Planning Grant Program (CP) awards funds that may be used for a variety of activities related to community planning, such as a community plan, zoning revision, or planning for housing. As planning and zoning grants, funds must support direct community engagement efforts to involve community members in the planning process and/or produce planning or zoning document(s) and/or related materials in draft, phased, or final product form.

The CP awards a maximum grant of $150,000 to single applicants. Funding over this maximum will only be considered for joint and regional applications on a case-by-case basis, at EOHLC’s discretion, based on project need, outcomes, impact, and scope of engagement plan and implementation. Applicants are encouraged to conduct due diligence to determine accurate estimates of project costs to better understand actual costs of the proposed project.

The NTSS Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology SS Trainee Conference Endowment Award offers a stipend of at least $250 to support deserving trainees in Neurotoxicology attending the SOT Annual Meeting. Selection is based on scientific merit and mentor support. This initiative, funded by the Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology Fellowship Award Fund, aims to enhance the professional development of trainees in toxicology.

Idaho Department of Commerce

We empower business success and support Idaho’s vibrant communities for the state’s current and future prosperity.

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Idaho Department of Commerce plays a pivotal role in revealing new opportunities, solutions and innovative possibilities to maximize Idaho’s potential and empower its future. We foster economic growth, quality job creation and innovation while supporting businesses and communities statewide.

Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

The Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) program provides funds to rural areas in support of economic expansion and job creation. Created by the Idaho State Legislature in 2001, this state-funded grant program is a component of the Rural Initiative.

The intent of this program is to provide state funded block grants to benefit rural communities and areas by providing or improving public infrastructure systems that enable communities to retain or create jobs.  

Eligible RCIF activities include

• Construction or expansion of public infrastructure or publicly regulated utilities or infrastructure; acquisition of land or real estate by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for purpose of leasing to a business; and new construction, reconditioning, or remodeling of an industrial or commercial building owned by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for which the building will be leased to a business.  

• Applications will be evaluated on their impact to distressed areas, benefits of the project, community support, and the project’s feasibility. A public hearing is required to be held before submission of the application. Applications will be accepted four times a year – the third Monday in March, June, September and December. Applications are evaluated by staff and the Economic Advisory Council (EAC).  

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy. Our three general areas of responsibility include protecting our food supply; protecting our natural resources; and, cultivating our agricultural economy.

Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant

The Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to $20,000 for qualified farmers to purchase their first farm. The grant program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Rural Finance Authority (RFA) as part of the RFA's mission to develop the state's agricultural resources.

The intent of the grant program is to help farmers invest in farm ownership. With the average age of farmers rising in our state, farm succession and legacy planning are increasingly important to the sector. The program is authorized under Minn. Stat. 17.133 41A.12 and funded through Laws of Minnesota, 2025, Regular Session, Chapter 34, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 4(c).

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.

About

Since its founding in 1977, the El Paso Community Foundation has awarded more than $249,142,042 in grants to nonprofit organizations and individuals in the greater El Paso region. We constantly look for innovative approaches to solve community problems and to meet our community’s ever evolving needs.

The El Paso Community Foundation and its supporting organizations respond to the needs of nonprofit organizations by providing grants in the greater El Paso region.

The Cardwell Foundation Grant

This grant provides funding for a variety of philanthropic projects in the El Paso region, far west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua, Mexico.

Granting Areas of Interest:

• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Environment/Animals
• Health and Disabilities
• Human Services (basic human needs)
• Economic Development

Granting Priorities

• Projects that will result in more effective ways of doing things — ideas that require risk-taking
• Projects that can create an impact with a moderate amount of grant money
• Projects that show collaboration with other organizations