Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Grant Work, Leveled Up.
Thu, Oct 29 or Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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

32,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

32,423 Results based on applied filters

AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

OregonServes State Service Commission
State/Local Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

  • New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
    • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
  • Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
    • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
  • Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
    • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 
Community Services Civic Engagement & Education Environmental Stewardship +1 more

AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding - Oregon

OregonServes State Service Commission
State/Local Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2027-2028 AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding

Competitive State grants help place members in service in Oregon and will be part of the AmeriCorps Oregon portfolio. Oregon considers applications for submission to AmeriCorps as part of a national competition.

Increase your organization's impact and reach in the community with an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps provides program grant funding to eligible organizations to address their community's most pressing needs. Competitive grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

  • Be a nonprofit, government agency, school, or community and/or faith-based organization 
  • Request AmeriCorps members to serve only in Oregon 
  • Be able to support the equivalent of 5 full-time members in the first year of operation, with a plan to increase it to 10 full-time members by the fourth year. 
Community Services Civic Engagement & Education Environmental Stewardship +1 more

SWE Quad Cities Section Scholarship

Society of Women Engineers
Private
Cedar County, Iowa, Clinton County, Iowa +7 more
More than US $1,000
The SWE Quad Cities Section Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship for female students entering their junior or senior year at an ABET accredited engineering school. Established by the Society of Women Engineers in 2002, this scholarship supports local students within specific Iowa and Illinois zip codes. Eligible applicants must be members of SWE or join in the following academic year. This initiative encourages women to pursue engineering degrees and enhances diversity in the field.
Engineering Women & Girl Services Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund

Stark Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $500
The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Education - High School +2 more

George F Moss Foundation Grant

George F Moss Foundation
Private
Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The George F. Moss Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in the greater Milwaukee area. Established in memory of George French Moss, who dedicated his life to business and philanthropy, the foundation emphasizes local impact. It seeks to fund initiatives that enhance community welfare, reflecting Mr. Moss's lifelong commitment to charitable endeavors. This grant is ideal for organizations aiming to make a significant difference in the lives of Milwaukee residents, ensuring his legacy continues through meaningful contributions.
Art & Culture Education Animal Welfare - General +7 more

Chugiak-Eagle River Foundation Grant

The Alaska Community Foundation
Private
Anchorage Municipality, Alaska
Unspecified amount

Welcome to Chugiak Eagle River Foundation

Our Purpose

The purposes of the Foundation are to make lasting improvements to our community and its residents; to foster the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors; and to promote a healthy and productive community. Activities include provide grants to the Chugiak-Eagle River community organizations, educational scholarships, the latter a legacy of the Briggs family. Guiding the Foundation is a commitment to honesty, compassion, respect, and stewardship. By growing our endowments, our community will have the resources to thrive now and forever.

Our Mission

The Chugiak-Eagle River Foundation, an Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and to address emerging needs in the community of Chugiak/Eagle River, Alaska by providing grants and scholarships from a permanent endowment.

Community Development & Revitalization Art & Culture Education +5 more

Community Foundation Impact Grants

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Private
Albany County, New York, Columbia County, New York +8 more
US $1,000 - US $15,000
The Community Foundation Impact Grants support projects that address pressing community needs in the Capital Region of New York. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 and focus on areas such as homelessness, disabilities, land conservation, and services for new Americans. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located within the ten-county region. This funding opportunity aims to leverage local expertise to create significant social impact.
Community Services Disability Care & Services Homelessness Services +1 more

Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) (355646)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Federal Government
United States
Up to US $90,000
The Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) offers funding for six seats in the CMS Virtual Research Data Center, enabling researchers to access critical CMS data for minority health research. Focused on various health topics, HEDAP aims to tackle health disparities among underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals affected by poverty. The program encourages innovative research methods and intersectional approaches, enhancing researchers' capacity to utilize CMS data effectively while providing actionable insights for stakeholders.
Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Data Science & Digital Information Systems Health Information Technology +1 more

GVCF: Small Sparks Grant

Golden Valley Community Foundation
Private
Golden Valley County, Montana
Up to US $1,000
The GVCF: Small Sparks Grant supports projects that enhance the community's vitality in Golden Valley by promoting engagement, recreation, and the arts. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for both new and existing initiatives. Applications can be submitted anytime, with funding awarded biannually. The foundation aims to foster positive change and encourages applicants to provide thorough project plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring accountability and community benefit.
Community Development & Revitalization Art & Culture Recreation +4 more

Dennis Aaron Plumley Scholarship

Beckley Area Foundation
Private
West Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Dennis Aaron Plumley Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, awards engineering students from Raleigh County, West Virginia, attending WVU or WVU Tech. Founded in 1985, the Foundation promotes charitable giving to strengthen local communities. This renewable scholarship prioritizes academic achievement and financial need, with a preference for Shady Spring High School graduates. The Beckley Area Foundation's mission encompasses various funding priorities, including education, health, and community improvement initiatives.
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation College Success / Persistence +1 more

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II (364020)

USDA: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
US $600,000 - US $650,000
The USDA SBIR/STTR programs aim to enhance scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal funding, fostering a robust national economy. By supporting small businesses in addressing federal research needs, these programs encourage the commercialization of federally funded research. Specifically, the STTR program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as universities and federal laboratories, to advance cooperative research and development efforts.
Entrepreneurship Economic Services & Development Emerging Technology Development +1 more

N D Cobden Trust Grant

N D Cobden Trust
Private
Tarrant County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The N D Cobden Trust Grant provides funding for charitable initiatives in the Fort Worth, Texas area. This grant aims to support projects that benefit local communities and enhance the quality of life. It is essential for applicants to tailor their proposals to align with the trust's goals. For further details and to locate specific information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the foundation finder provided by JPMorgan.
Art & Culture Education Animal Welfare - General +7 more

NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Private
Alexandria City, Virginia, Arlington County, Virginia +3 more
Up to US $5,000
The NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, supports women pursuing higher education in STEM fields. This scholarship honors Bobbie Kilberg's dedication to community service. It aims to address the underrepresentation of women in technology careers, providing financial assistance to those demonstrating leadership potential and financial need. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and graduates from Northern Virginia who are committed to advancing their careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Education - Higher Education Community Services Youth Services +2 more

SWE Sacramento Valley Section Scholarship (Mabel Esteves Memorial Scholarship)

Society of Women Engineers
Private
Alpine County, California, Amador County, California +9 more
US $500 - US $1,500
The Mabel Esteves Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers' Sacramento Valley Section, supports female students pursuing engineering degrees at ABET accredited institutions. Named in honor of Mabel Esteves, a pioneering woman engineer, this scholarship aims to empower future generations of women in engineering. Eligible applicants are incoming freshmen who have completed at least one academic year and plan to study in engineering fields. Scholarships range from $500 to $1500.
Women & Girl Services Academic Scholarship Programs College Success / Persistence +2 more

deSaussure “deS” P. Moore, III, MD Scholarship Endowment

John Randolph Foundation Inc
Private
Charles City County, Virginia, Chesterfield County, Virginia +7 more
Up to US $1,500
The deSaussure “deS” P. Moore, III, MD Scholarship Endowment, established in 2023, supports students pursuing a medical degree with a focus on Family Medicine. This scholarship honors the legacy of deS Moore, III, a dedicated physician. Eligible applicants include seniors from specific localities, who must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition and related expenses, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Education - Higher Education Community Services Health Care Access & Delivery +2 more

Environmental Justice Fellowship

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law
Private
Texas
Up to US $75,000
The Environmental Justice Fellowship, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, offers a two-year postgraduate opportunity for Texas Law alumni aiming to work with environmental legal organizations. Applicants must propose impactful projects, collaborating with designated host organizations. This fellowship emphasizes public interest law, promoting access to justice and community engagement in Texas. Ideal candidates are third-year students or recent graduates completing a judicial clerkship by Fall 2026, ensuring sustainable public interest law practices.
Law Environmental Justice & Advocacy Legal Services

Joseph S. Rippey Charitable Trust Grant

Joseph S. Rippey Charitable Trust
Private
Monroe County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Joseph S. Rippey Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Rochester, NY, focusing on various program areas including animal welfare, education, and community development. This private foundation funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Grant applications are not accepted from individuals, ensuring that support is directed solely toward established charitable entities.
Animal Welfare - General Art & Culture Civic Affairs +7 more

James P. Gordon Foundation Grant

James P. Gordon Foundation
Private
Yates County, New York
Unspecified amount
The James P. Gordon Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations in the Penn Yan, NY area, focusing on various program areas such as Animal Welfare, Education, and Health Research. It exclusively funds nonprofit organizations recognized under the IRS 501(c)(3) tax code. Individual grant applications are not accepted. For more information about the grant program, please visit the foundation finder on their website.
Animal Welfare - General Civic Affairs Art & Culture +7 more

Zur Hausen Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Zur Hausen Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Agriculture. This scholarship honors Edith and Elmar zur Hausen, who emigrated from Germany and dedicated their lives to the Wenatchee Valley. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from Chelan or Douglas County, aiming to study at an accredited institution in the USA.
Engineering Education - Higher Education Agriculture +2 more

Competitive & Foundation-Initiated Grant Programs

Sonora Area Foundation
Private
Tuolumne County, California
Unspecified amount
The Competitive & Foundation-Initiated Grant Programs by the Sonora Area Foundation focus on enhancing quality of life in Tuolumne County. They fund projects in various sectors, including human services, education, and health. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities serving the community. The Foundation encourages innovative projects, sustainability, and collaboration with community organizations, aiming to address local challenges effectively. Emergency grants are also available for urgent needs, ensuring timely support for impactful initiatives.
Environmental Conservation Education Art & Culture +5 more

Inspire Olympia Impact Funding

City of Olympia
State/Local Government
Thurston County, Washington
US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Inspire Olympia Comprehensive & Impact Funding initiative aims to enhance access to diverse arts, sciences, and cultural experiences in Olympia. This voter-approved program focuses on lowering participation barriers, particularly for youth and underserved communities. By strengthening local nonprofit cultural organizations, the initiative seeks to deliver inspiring and creative programs for all residents. Funding is allocated through a competitive application process, ensuring that selected projects effectively benefit the community.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation Community Culture & Heritage Science +2 more

Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope

Community Foundation of Whitley County
Association/Society
Indiana, United States
Unspecified amount
The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs Science +2 more

Demetrius Tirrell Williford Scholarship

Legacy Foundation: Lake County's Community Foundation
Private
Lake County, Indiana
US $1,000

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Demetrius Tirrell Williford Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Engineering STEM / STEAM Education Education - Higher Education +2 more

Ferguson Family Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
Chelan County, Washington
Unspecified amount
The Ferguson Family Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students from Chelan or Douglas County pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology at Wenatchee Valley College. This scholarship aims to assist students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to engineering, providing support over multiple years contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Education - Higher Education Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

Gauthier Family Fund Scholarship

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Gauthier Family Fund Scholarship, established by Barbara Gauthier in 1998, supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area pursuing mechanical or electrical engineering studies at Michigan Technological University. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and financial need, ensuring deserving students receive the educational assistance they need to succeed in engineering fields.
Education - Higher Education Educational Access & Equity Engineering +3 more

St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation Grant

St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation
Corporate
Bottineau County, North Dakota, Burke County, North Dakota +9 more
Unspecified amount
St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of residents in Northcentral North Dakota. Established by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1914, the foundation emphasizes sustainable community health through financial gifts and collaborative efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, ensuring impactful projects across counties such as Bottineau, Burke, and McLean. The foundation aims to foster healthier communities while promoting voluntary financial support.
Community Services Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Health & Medicine +3 more

Willard L. Eccles Grants

Willard L. Eccles Foundation
Private
Idaho, Utah
Unspecified amount
The Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation focuses on improving the well-being of individuals in Utah and the Intermountain West. Established in the early 1980s, it has contributed over $40 million to non-profits in various sectors including education, healthcare, and environmental preservation. The Foundation particularly favors projects that simultaneously address multiple areas of interest, with a strong emphasis on healthcare initiatives for underserved populations.
Health Care Access & Delivery Human & Social Services Education +3 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 $3.34B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.

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

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Youth Services

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

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
29.7%
Q2
24.7%
Q3
23.5%
Q4
22.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

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

Grants are most commonly $32,500.

$0 $0 Min.
$32,500 $32.5 K Median
$633,837 $633.8 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 29.7% 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 $32,500, while the average grant awarded is $633,837. 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.