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Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.

33,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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Donna Van Asten ‘Face Forward’ Fellowship

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Private
Brown County, Wisconsin
US $5,000
The Donna Van Asten ‘Face Forward’ Fellowship supports sophomore or junior nursing students at St. Norbert College demonstrating resilience and commitment to success despite challenges. Two non-renewable $5,000 scholarships are awarded for tuition expenses in the fall semester. This fellowship honors Donna Van Asten's legacy as a compassionate mentor, encouraging students to embrace opportunities and make a lasting impact on their communities through service and determination.
Education - Higher Education Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs +1 more

Lam Research Core Values Scholarship

East Bay Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $10,000
The Lam Research Core Values Scholarship, offered by the East Bay Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from specific districts in California and Oregon. Recipients are awarded $10,000 over four years, promoting educational success. Eligible students must exemplify Lam's Core Values, maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school. This scholarship aims to empower diverse youth in their educational pursuits and foster community development.
Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

Patient Travel Grant Program

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $6,000

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only nonprofit charity organization dedicated to ending mesothelioma, and the suffering caused by this cancer, by:

  • funding research to improve treatment options;
  • providing treatment support and education for patients and their families;
  • and advocating for federal funding of research.

The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation spans across four distinct areas: through research, education, support, and advocacy the Foundation seeks to eradicate the vicious effects of mesothelioma. Led by the Board of Directors, our team works collaboratively to develop and administer our programs, and to fundraise to pay for those programs (the Foundation is funded by private individual and corporate contributions only — it does not receive any government funding).

Patient Travel Grant Program

A mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment often require the patient and their family to incur numerous expenses as part of their treatment. Travel to treatment, alone, can cause a significant financial burden on the patient, which might even cause the patient to not seek treatment away from home, even it’s their best option. To ensure that all patients have the ability to seek specialized help and treatments, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation administers its Travel Grant Program.

The Meso Foundation’s Patient Travel Grant Program, founded by Mary and Bob Cosentino, provides travel grants to patients and one caregiver traveling for an initial consult and/or for clinical trial treatments.

  • The type of eligible travel must fall into at least one of these two categories:
    • One trip for one initial consultation with a mesothelioma specialist.
    • Multiple trips to participate in an interventional clinical trial (found on clinicaltrials.gov).
Cancer / Oncology Patient Care & Services Adventure Travel & Expeditions

Taylor Family Farms Foundation Grant

TAYLOR FAMILY FARMS FOUNDATION INC
Private
Allamakee County, Iowa, Blue Earth County, Minnesota +45 more
Up to US $50,000

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

The mission of the Taylor Family Farms Foundation is to collaborate with knowledgeable and trusted philanthropic partners to build resilient rural communities.

We believe that strong partnerships and local insight are essential to creating lasting impact. By working alongside experienced organizations, we ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Details

Grant Guidelines and Eligibility

Reliable emergency services are essential to every community. In rural areas, those services are often provided by volunteers who step forward when their neighbors need them most.

The Taylor Family Farms Foundation is now accepting grant applications from emergency services providers serving rural communities.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities that are eligible to receive funding from a public foundation.

Emergency Medical Care & Services Rural Health Care Rural Development

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP): Landfill Leachate Treatment

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
State/Local Government
New York
Up to US $10,000,000

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Landfill Leachate Treatment

Project Type Description

Funding is available for projects to treat landfill leachate for contaminants, including but not limited to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), at municipally-owned active municipal solid waste landfills or active construction and demolition debris landfills with leachate collection systems.

Waste Management Environmental Contamination & Pollution

Orphan Site Cleanup Fund Grant

California State Water Resources Control Board
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $1,000,000
The Orphan Site Cleanup Fund Grant, administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board, offers crucial financial support for the cleanup of sites contaminated by leaking petroleum underground storage tanks. This program is designed for applicants without a financially responsible party and who are ineligible for the UST Cleanup Fund. Funding can reach up to $1 million, covering various response actions including site assessments and corrective action plans, ensuring environmental safety and compliance.
Land / Habitat Conservation Environmental Contamination & Pollution Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Private
United States
US $500 - US $10,000
The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.
Business Education Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

California: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Grant

California Employment Development Department
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
The California Deaf and Hard of Hearing Grant aims to provide essential employment and training services tailored for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. By enhancing access to specialized counseling, interpretive services, and job placement opportunities, the program ensures equitable support in job readiness and retention. It targets those actively seeking employment, facilitating their integration into the workforce while upholding a commitment to effective communication and advocacy.
Hearing Impairment Care & Services Hearing Disorders & Audiology

Derelict Building Grant Program

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $75,000

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Derelict Building Program

The Derelict Building Program is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents to address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least 6 months. 

The Program’s main focus is landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials and the elimination of hazards both inside and out posed by these empty structures.  

For applicants who are seeking funding assistance with: 

  • conducting asbestos inspections
  • asbestos abatement
  • structural engineering analysis
  • phase I and phase II site assessments
  • building deconstruction
  • building renovation expenses
Environmental Contamination & Pollution Environmental Health Rural Development

3VCF Community Impact Grants

Three Valleys Community Foundation
Private
Alameda County, California, Contra Costa County, California
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The 3VCF Community Impact Grants aim to empower local nonprofits in addressing critical community needs, particularly in mental health, health equity, and environmental sustainability. For 2024, Three Valleys Community Foundation is expanding its grantmaking focus to include diverse and innovative proposals that respond to pressing health issues. Collaborative efforts among organizations are encouraged to foster impactful solutions and promote community well-being.
Children’s Mental Health Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases

Winter Park Community Grant

Central Florida Foundation Inc
Private
Orange County, Florida
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The Winter Park Community Grant, managed by the Winter Park Community Foundation at Central Florida Foundation, aims to provide eight one-time grants to 501c3 organizations in Winter Park, FL. Grants include three for up to $25,000 and five for $5,000, targeting projects that enhance nonprofit capabilities in areas like education, health, and economic stability. Applications are due by September 26, 2025, with specific deadlines for new and existing nonprofit profiles.
Educational Access & Equity Economic Rights, Justice, & Mobility Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health +1 more

West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program

West Virginia Rivers Coalition
State/Local Government
West Virginia
Up to US $2,500

West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program

WV Rivers is here to support YOUR efforts in YOUR community!

The WV Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program supports communities growing collective power to influence decision makers and secure safe, healthy water for all.

Since 2019, WV Rivers has provided more than $100,000 to support more than 60 projects to improve water quality and awareness across the state. Through our mini-grant program, WV Rivers has supported dozens of powerful grassroots projects across the state — defending headwaters, uplifting frontline voices, and taking real action on clean water and climate. Grants have:

  • Powered marches for justice in Minden, policy summits on chemical safety, and Black Policy Day at the Capitol
  • Funded PFAS testing and air monitoring in impacted communities from the Eastern Panhandle to Wyoming County
  • Supported pipeline resistance, coal mine monitoring, and advocacy for safe drinking water
  • Enabled youth-led engagement at E-Day, community art like murals and mapping, and clean-ups on the Little Coal and Town Run
  • Boosted rain barrel workshops, leadership retreats, and climate education through faith-based outreach
  • Backed efforts to fight harmful development, from the Kanawha Forest to the Corridor H highway

Whether it’s helping to upgrade Big Laurel Learning Center’s rain cistern and supporting their water policy advocacy lessons or helping neighbors in crisis through From Below’s water distribution in southern West Virginia, these mini-grants are more than dollars — they’re a spark for justice, resilience, and community-powered change.

This Fund is a project of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice issues related to the presence of industrial pollution in their immediate communities and more. This fund is made possible by The Cloud Mountain Foundation, The Justice and Peace Fund, The Heinz Foundation, Erol Foundation, and Beyond Petrochemicals, a project of Resources Legacy Fund made possible by support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This program is also made possible by the support of individual donors – people like you who share our belief that small, localized actions can make a powerful difference.

Environmental Justice & Advocacy Environmental Health

Rural Innovation Grant

Iowa Economic Development Authority
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $50,000

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

This program is administered by the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in consultation with the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Forces.

Rural Development Equitable & Affordable Housing

Rural Innovation Grant Program

Iowa Economic Development Authority
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $50,000

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Rural Innovation Grant Program

The Rural Innovation Grant program seeks to support creative ideas that address current issues and challenges faced by rural communities. This grant opportunity aims to increase available housing stock in rural Iowa by leveraging funding programs, driving private investment, and rewarding creative solutions. The goal is to provide funds to communities that have demonstrated significant progress on housing initiatives and that propose to bring innovation into implementation with a definitive outcome. 

Funding is awarded on a reimbursement basis — grant recipients will be reimbursed only after eligible expenses have been incurred and paid for approved project activities during the designated time frame.

Rural Development Equitable & Affordable Housing

National Housing Trust Fund

Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $2,300,000

National Housing Trust Fund

Federal Resources, Local Compassion

It takes compassion and commitment to create and sustain affordable living options around Iowa. The National Housing Trust Fund does just that. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income and homeless families.

How Funds Are Used

Funds may be used for the production or preservation of permanent affordable rental housing through new construction, adaptive reuse and/or rehabilitation projects. Proposed projects addressing the needs of extremely low-income renters—those with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)—are a high priority for the Iowa Finance Authority.

Equitable & Affordable Housing Homelessness Services

OFB Rapid Response Grant

Oregon Food Bank Inc
Private
Baker County, Oregon, Benton County, Oregon +32 more
Up to US $5,000
The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.
Food Access & Hunger Poverty Alleviation & Services Immigrant Services +2 more

Arts Education Grants

New York State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
New York
US $5,000

New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development and quality of life. NYSCA funding supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities. NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by hosting convenings with leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Our Mission: To foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all.

Huntington Arts Council

The Huntington Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, promotes arts and culture generated by Long Island artists to our children and to the general population. We work to enrich the cultural, social and economic life of the community by nurturing the professional development of artists, and by providing timely news and events via Arts Cultural Magazine (reaching 20,000 per issue). Our Arts-in-Education program reaches 35,000 children annually through our partner school districts. We also offer artistic programs and services to our more than 100 cultural organization members who encompass the broad spectrum of arts disciplines.

Arts Education Grants

Supporting the role, the arts play in engaging students and participants of all ages through sequential, hands-on arts instruction. 

The Arts Education grant is designed to support arts education projects that bring teaching artists into dedicated learning spaces for students of all ages.  

Funds support arts education projects for closed groups of learners. 

All Arts Education projects must be carried out in partnership with a public school or in partnership with an existing closed group of learners including but not limited to a club, residents of a senior living facility, individuals receiving social services, or a camp. 

Education - K through 12 After School / Summer Educational Programs Arts / Culture Access & Participation +2 more

Iowa Jobs Training Program

Iowa Economic Development Authority
State/Local Government
Iowa
Unspecified amount

About Iowa Workforce Development

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need.

Mission

We power Iowa’s possibilities by connecting workers to opportunities and employers to workforce solutions.

Vision

To create, enable and sustain the most future ready workforce in the nation.

Iowa Jobs Training Program

The Iowa Jobs Training Program offers forgivable loans to eligible Iowa businesses to provide upskilling opportunities for their current employees. Iowa Workforce Development's Business Engagement Consultants, and their local Eligible businesses work with the Iowa Workforce Development's Business Engagement Consultants, and their local community college to assess training needs, determine available funding, and to arrange training.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Business Development

Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative Grants

Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $500,000
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative Grants aim to enhance research on pregnancy outcomes, addressing issues such as preterm birth and maternal health. With an emphasis on fostering diverse scientific collaboration, the initiative supports innovative proposals from researchers across various disciplines. Each grant offers up to $500,000 over four years, encouraging groundbreaking studies that explore the biological and environmental factors affecting pregnancy. This initiative seeks to improve health outcomes through informed research and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Maternal And Perinatal Health Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Parker B. Francis Fellowship for Pulmonary Research

The Francis Family Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $225,000
The Parker B. Francis Fellowship for Pulmonary Research offers three years of funding, totaling $225,000, for clinical and basic scientists transitioning to independent research careers in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Eligible candidates include those with relevant doctoral degrees, U.S. or Canadian citizenship, and a track record of research experience. The fellowship encourages diverse research topics, including bioethics in pulmonary medicine, while requiring mentorship and adherence to strict eligibility criteria.
Lung Cancer Respiratory Diseases & Systems

Lou Drane Fund Music Scholarship

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Private
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Lou Drane Fund Music Scholarship, administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students with a serious interest in classical music. It offers financial aid for those pursuing studies in composition, teaching, or performance. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability, apply for financial aid from their chosen institution, and maintain residency in specified counties of Pennsylvania. This scholarship allows recipients to reapply annually, fostering continued growth in the arts.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs Classical Music

Immigrant Career Pathways

City of Boston
State/Local Government
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
US $50,000

Immigrant Career Pathways

This funding opportunity aims to provide grants for English classes combined with vocational skills training, creating pathways to better-paying jobs for immigrant and low-income residents.

Grant Description

This request for grant applications holds two distinct funding opportunities. Each opportunity has $300,000 available (subject to appropriation and the availability of funds) to distribute to community partners. Even if your program serves both purposes, please only choose one opportunity to apply to; note that an applications will only be considered only in one category. 

Option A:

Immigrant Career Pathways: Bridging Language and Employment

This opportunity provides grants for ESOL classes combined with skills training and certifications in childcare, construction, and small business development. The program addresses language barriers and workforce needs for immigrant residents while meeting the city's demand for qualified workers.

Option B:

Workforce Training Programs Focused on Trades

This opportunity provides grants to expand vocational training in trades such as HVAC, automotive, computer skills, and cooking, with a focus on low-income residents. The initiative creates pathways to better-paying jobs while addressing the community's need for skilled workers.

Immigrant Services Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education

Interface Health Foundation: Research Grant

Interface Health Foundation
Association/Society
United States
US $1,000 - US $5,000

Interface Health Foundation

Interface Health Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 tax-exempt organization driven by a collective vision of positive change. In healthcare industry policy, understanding the intricate dynamics of funding and its impact on public access, quality, and cost remains paramount. IHF is dedicated to advancing analysis and research into the crossroads of healthcare industry policy, structural frameworks and affordability.

At IHF, our mission is clear: to empower and support student-led research endeavors that shed light on critical healthcare policy and structural issues affecting the public. Through our initiatives, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the healthcare landscape.

Interface Health Foundation: Research Grant

Healthcare administrative grant award opportunities are highly competitive and allow candidates to stand out as they enter the job market. Through this IHF grant award, you will get the opportunity to pull together research and content on topics that aren't fully studied or publicized. Depending on the grant topic, some grantees will also have access to a preceptor who is an executive leader in the healthcare field. The preceptor will serve as a valuable resource to the grantee during the development of the research paper and beyond.

An example of a research topic is the impact of legislated acute care nurse staffing levels on the following: nursing professional job satisfaction, the patient experience, and the standard nursing quality indicators as part of nursing Magnet status accreditation.

Health Care Access & Delivery Health Policy & Advocacy Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health +1 more

Unveiling Health and Healthcare Disparities in Non-Communicable and Chronic Diseases in Latin America: Setting the Stage for Better Health Outcomes Across the Hemisphere (R01 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
Central America, Puerto Rico +2 more
Unspecified amount
This funding opportunity aims to address health and healthcare disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America. It invites innovative, collaborative research that includes multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing partnerships with institutions in Latin America. The project aims to enhance understanding and evaluation of healthcare policies while validating methodologies to improve health outcomes among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos and the Latin American population.
Hispanic and Latino Services Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Chronic Illnesses

Interventions on Health and Healthcare Disparities on Non-Communicable and Chronic Diseases in Latin America: Improving Health Outcomes Across the Hemisphere (R01 - Clinical Trial Required)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
Central America, Puerto Rico +2 more
Unspecified amount
This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by supporting innovative research teams addressing health disparities related to non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America, particularly among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. Teams are encouraged to collaborate with institutions in Latin America and focus on clinical, health services, and community-based interventions. Important deadlines for grant applications are set for early 2024 through 2026, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants.
Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Chronic Illnesses Hispanic and Latino Services

Production Grants: The Wilder Estate - The Long Christmas Dinner Festival Grant

Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

  • Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
  • Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
  • Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

The Wilder Estate: The Long Christmas Dinner Festival Grant

In 1931, Thornton Wilder wrote The Long Christmas Dinner, a moving, funny, and ingeniously theatrical one-act play created specifically for student theater groups. In just 40 minutes, a single holiday meal becomes a 90-year journey through four generations of a family, exploring time, tradition, family, and the stories we tell about our lives.

In 2026, the Wilder Estate is launching The Long Christmas Dinner Festival, a national holiday celebration bringing schools, cultural organizations, and audiences together around this remarkable play.

Theater Arts / Culture Access & Participation Youth Involvement in the Arts +1 more

Production Grants: Music Theatre International - Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant

Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

  • Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
  • Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
  • Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

Music Theatre International: Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant

Heart of Rock and Roll features a book by Jonathan Abrams and music and lyrics by Huey Lewis and his pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, with new orchestrations of their music by Brian Usifer.

Selected schools will host intergenerational community events or outreach programs of their own design — because just as Huey Lewis’s music has always brought people together, school theatre has the power to do the same.

Community Culture & Heritage Theater Arts / Culture Access & Participation +1 more

Operating Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.


Search Instrumentl's Operating Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.

Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.

To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:

  • Showcase past impact – Use data and real-world examples to prove how your organization has already made a difference.
  • Prove how you align with funder priorities – Research what funders care about and explain how your nonprofit’s mission fits within their goals.
  • Prove financial stability – Funders want to support organizations that can manage funds responsibly and have a solid sustainability plan for the long-term.
  • Emphasize lasting growth – Describe how operating funds will help your nonprofit expand its reach, strengthen programs, and increase its overall impact.

For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.