Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Developing Agency, Identity, and Belonging In Young People Grants aim to empower BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and other marginalized youth by creating safe spaces that foster community and belonging. This funding supports programs focused on developing identity, agency, and resilience, helping young people navigate challenges. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $250,000 over two years, prioritizing culturally responsive and inclusive initiatives that actively involve youth in program development.

The Creative Connections Grant offers up to $5,000 for artistic projects in Minnesota, encouraging individual artists to promote access to the arts and engage with local communities. Eligible proposals should focus on connecting residents with cultural experiences, integrating artistic engagement with community goals, providing arts learning opportunities, or sharing expressive cultural traditions. This grant aims to enhance the vibrancy of Minnesota’s artistic landscape through diverse and impactful projects.

The Paula Steinebach Trust Grant aims to provide essential support to underprivileged and deserving children in Philadelphia. Established from the will of Ms. Steinebach, the trust distributes grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on care, education, and recreation. With an average grant size ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the foundation emphasizes equitable support for children of both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Program for Adult Care Excellence (PACE) aims to enhance adult care for cystic fibrosis patients by recruiting and training physicians. With an increasing life expectancy for CF patients, the program addresses the need for specialized adult caregivers. Physicians can apply for funding up to $38,435 per year for three years, enabling them to develop expertise in adult CF care. This initiative supports both the medical community and the CF population significantly.

The Preventative Care Access Grant from the Patterson Family Foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery models in rural communities across Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding can develop innovative solutions such as mobile health and telehealth services to improve access to care. Registration is required before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), with deadlines set for April and July 2025. This initiative supports projects that directly benefit the foundation's target areas.

Youth Employment Program (YEP)

Tennessee's Youth Employment Program (YEP) links ambitious young adults aged 14-24 with employers in diverse industries across Tennessee. Participants dive into hands-on workforce experiences, gaining invaluable skills and test-driving future careers while earning up to $3,000 along the way. This year-round program from the state of Tennessee offers much more than youth job opportunities — it teaches lifelong and life-changing skills. YEP is THE vibe to thrive in the workforce.

For Youth - Get Paid To Adult

Every career rockstar started as a rookie, and YEP is your ultimate training ground. Take charge of your future, tailor your work experience to fit your goals, and earn up to $3,000. What do you have to lose? Build your skills, your network, and your dreams with YEP.

• Make Your Own Money
• test Drive Potential Careers
• Gain Skills and Experience

For Parents - First Jobs Lead To Lasting Success

YEP isn't just another internship; it's a paid job that instills discipline and vital soft skills. By encouraging youth to participate, you're helping tomorrow's business leaders cultivate the confidence, resilience, and adaptability needed to thrive in today's dynamic career fields.

• Guaranteed Resume Builder
• Instills Responsibility
• Supports Career Readiness

For employers - Now Hiring: Tomorrow’s CEOs

From local “mom-and-pop shops” to Fortune 100s, Tennessee-based businesses can uncover a pipeline of motivated young talent through YEP. Our program is designed to create meaningful employment opportunities for young individuals by matching employers with talent who align perfectly with their business requirements.

• State-Paid Labor
• Talent Pipeline
• No Admin Hassle

The Elsie Beavers Carver and E. Lois Carver Educational Fund Grant supports K-12 educational programs in Horry and Georgetown Counties. It aims to enhance children's learning experiences in core subjects such as language arts, math, and the arts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The fund provides resources for equipment, supplies, and special projects, ensuring that no qualified individual is excluded from participation based on various factors.

The Rural Site Development Initiative NOFO aims to enhance economic development in Georgia by supporting local communities in preparing development-ready sites. This program ensures that sites are identified, assessed, and certified, with funding approved semi-annually by state departments. Eligible applicants include development authorities with sites of at least 50 acres. Community funding matches and GRAD certification commitments are essential criteria for participation.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official economic development authority and has offices in Virginia, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Since 1995, VEDP has served as a professional, nonpartisan public authority with a long-term focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy across administrations. Working with state, regional and local partners, VEDP supports business expansion, attraction and investment through services that span site readiness, incentives, global trade and strategic planning. 

Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG)

The Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant program (VEDIG) assists and encourages companies to invest and create new employment opportunities by locating significant headquarters, administrative, or service sector operations in Virginia. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project.

The amount of each VEDIG grant is determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based in part on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Return-on-Investment analysis and recommendation, and is subject to the approval of the Governor.

Highlights

The program offers cash grants to qualified applicants. Grants are paid in five equal annual installments beginning in the first year after the capital investment and job creation or retention are achieved. There are no restrictions on expenditure of the grant proceeds.

Minimum capital investment, new job, and wage thresholds are based on the area of Virginia in which the company is located.

The Montana Snowmobile Program Grant supports snowmobile clubs in maintaining safe trails and promoting winter recreation. This initiative funds trail grooming, equipment purchases, and safety education, benefiting over 4,000 miles of trails managed by Montana State Parks. Grants, typically under $20,000, aim to enhance trail safety and accessibility for motorized enthusiasts. Clubs must coordinate with land management agencies for proposals, ensuring sustainable trail use and community engagement in snowmobiling activities.

The Seeds of Strength Giving Circle empowers women in Georgetown through collective grantmaking, having awarded over $2.3 million to local nonprofits. This initiative supports projects that address critical community needs, focusing on organizations that serve underserved populations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, fostering collaboration and innovative approaches to enhance community services. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specified Georgetown zip codes.

The Cybersecurity Traineeship, in collaboration with Northern Virginia Community College, aims to equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills. This program targets individuals with no prior experience, guiding them towards entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field. Participants engage in a 7-week online bootcamp, potentially followed by 12 weeks of paid on-the-job training. Trainees receive financial support totaling $19,200, ensuring a comprehensive training experience while enhancing the cybersecurity workforce in Virginia.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant Program in Georgia offers crucial support to organizations working in areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. By focusing on enhancing community well-being, promoting financial futures, and developing leadership, the foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and excellence in various sectors. Eligible organizations in Atlanta can apply for funding, while the foundation does not support individuals or certain types of organizations. This initiative highlights a commitment to strengthening local communities.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant in Alabama supports various community initiatives, focusing on arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. Established in 1993, the foundation has contributed over $100 million to enhance community well-being, promote leadership, and foster cultural enrichment. Eligible organizations can apply for funding, specifically in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile. However, grants do not support individuals, political activities, or religious organizations. This commitment ensures a brighter, sustainable future for Alabama's communities.

Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Round 2

$20 million is available for Round 2 of Community Reforestation (CoRe) grant. The goal of CoRe is to support tree planting projects that will create or restore forested natural areas in urban communities across the state. Projects funded by this grant will directly contribute to the “25 Million Trees Initiative” launched by Governor Hochul in recognition of the importance of trees and forests for climate resiliency and community health. This grant is funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

About the CoRe Grant

More than 85% of New York’s population lives in or near an urban community. $20 million is available for municipalities, nonprofits, soil and water conservation districts, Indian Tribes and Nations, and State agencies through the Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant program for tree planting projects that expand and restore forested natural areas that serve urban populations. 

The Anne Kirkwood, Dick Campbell, & H. Benjamin Campbell Fund, managed by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides scholarships to students who have graduated from Hawai‘i public high schools. This initiative aims to support local students by alleviating financial barriers to higher education, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. By investing in the community's youth, this fund contributes to the development of a skilled and educated workforce in Hawaii.

The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund - Maui, established in 2022 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. This initiative supports residents of Maui who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to students in sustainable energy fields and those who were recipients in the previous year, ensuring ongoing support for eligible candidates.

The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting descendants of WWII veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion. This scholarship aims to honor their legacy by providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and a commitment to community service. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA and be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions, ensuring that the spirit of service continues to thrive.

The PACF Community Action Grants support nonprofits in West Virginia through a competitive grant process twice a year. Grants up to $20,000 are available for diverse fields such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving the Foundation's 11-county area. Projects addressing community needs and enhancing organizational capacity are prioritized, especially in areas with limited support options. Interested applicants should ensure project eligibility before applying.

Seeding Research, Networking, and Capacity Building at Minority-Serving Institutions

Introduction & Purpose

RWJF is committed to ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. To achieve this goal, we support research that examines the historical and systemic factors that cause health inequities. Some of those determinants are poverty, discrimination, and limited access to quality education, housing, safe environments, and healthcare. As attacks on data and academic freedom and ongoing funding cuts to federal health equity research and programs continue, philanthropy’s work to achieve fair and equitable health, including a more equitable research funding ecosystem, is more important than ever. While philanthropic support for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) has increased in recent years, there is more to be done to rectify historical disparities in funding. 

This call for proposals (CFP) provides support to health equity research centers at MSIs to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity-building. Capacity-building will help develop staff, skills, culture, resources, and systems that enable research to happen effectively. Specific work that RWJF may fund under this CFP includes specific skill or methodology training; faculty release time; support for research assistants, advisors, and project staffing; mentoring, professional development and collaboration, and more.

Through this CFP, RWJF will expand its efforts to transform deeply rooted beliefs about which data and research methods are valued, whose perspectives are prioritized, and which populations deserve resources. By supporting the infrastructure and capacity-building needs of MSIs, this opportunity strengthens their ability to generate critical evidence and to cultivate transformative, actionable solutions toward health equity. 

RWJF believes in health equity research that is grounded in systems thinking; supports and disseminates evidence identifying and implementing structural solutions to racial and health inequities. This CFP seeks mission-aligned institutions to participate in cohort-style peer learning to advance their ability to engage in health equity research and apply for competitive funding opportunities in the future.

Although no single philanthropy can fill the gap left by federal funding cuts, this CFP demonstrates strong support for research, historically underrepresented researchers, and research centers that are positioned to pave the way toward a future where health is not a privilege, but a right.

The Sapienza Scholarship supports New Canaan students through need-based awards, helping residents of all ages continue their education. This program not only provides individual scholarships but also funds local nonprofit organizations' scholarship programs. With approximately $20,000 awarded per cycle, the grants assist students with tuition, books, and other educational expenses. The Foundation emphasizes a thorough selection process to ensure funds reach deserving students who demonstrate high academic motivation and potential.

The Youth Philanthropy Grant, a collaborative effort of the Black Hills Area Community Foundation and Rapid City Youth City Council, aims to support youth-oriented initiatives in Rapid City. With a funding limit of $2,500, the grant prioritizes projects addressing mental health and wellness. Eligible applicants include public charities, schools, and government entities. Notably, the grant excludes support for religious or political activities, multi-year projects, and operational expenses, ensuring funds focus on impactful youth programs.

The Youth Mental Health Providers Recruit, Retain, Rest and Recuperation (4R) Grant Program, established by Carrie Towbes in partnership with the Santa Barbara Foundation, aims to support mental health providers working with youth in Santa Barbara County. This initiative addresses the staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on innovative recruitment and retention of professionals. Grants of up to $10,000 for one year will aid organizations in enhancing youth social-emotional health and wellness.

The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports Asian American and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in clinical mental health. It emphasizes a commitment to social justice and community service, with scholarships awarded based on academic merit and passion for the field. One-time awards can be re-applied for in subsequent years, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring support for students in their academic journey.

The RBC Wealth Management Colorado Scholarship offers financial support to exceptional Colorado high school seniors pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering. Awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of at least 31 or equivalent SAT scores. This scholarship aims to empower students facing challenges to achieve their educational goals.

The John C. Ensslin Memorial Scholarship Fund (UA1) supports students dedicated to journalism, offering a $3,000 award and consideration for additional $1,500 Damon Runyon Scholarships. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in select Colorado schools for the 2025/2026 academic year, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and show commitment to journalism. This one-time scholarship is intended to assist with tuition, fees, and related educational expenses.