Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Dennis and Barbara Marion Family Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of causes including children's well-being, education, the arts, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With a focus on community impact, the foundation empowers organizations to address pressing challenges and create meaningful change. Since its inception, it has funded transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life and uplift communities, reflecting the Marions' legacy of compassion and dedication to service.

The Summit Credit Union Grant emphasizes charitable giving through partnerships that support equity, financial wellbeing, and women's empowerment. Committed to reducing inequities, the credit union seeks nonprofit organizations that align with these pillars to foster community growth. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving specific areas and submitting an online application. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious or political organizations, or any entities that discriminate based on various identities.

The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors in Arizona, particularly those who have attended the Aerospace Career Education Academy. This scholarship honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by awarding two scholarships to deserving students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who are Black or African American and demonstrate financial need. This initiative not only fosters educational advancement but also preserves the history of these remarkable individuals.

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2026 program year.

AFIG has approximately $5 million in funding available to school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania that want to transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Applicants will be eligible for a maximum grant award across all applications of $500,000. Individual application awards are still capped at $300,000.

Supported alternative fuels include electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels. Grant funding covers:

• Incremental costs related to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels;
• Incremental costs to purchase alternative fuel vehicles;
• Cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet-refueling or home-refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles;
• Cost to perform research, training, development, and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

The Patrick Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina, focusing on arts, healthcare, education, social services, and conservation. Established in 2005, the foundation aims to enhance the community through philanthropic efforts. Eligible applicants must utilize funds for charitable purposes only, and cannot engage in political activities. The foundation prioritizes operations, programs, and capital needs to benefit underserved populations and foster cultural enrichment.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award

Honors an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field and who has also made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result.

About

The Dr. Barry T. Katzen Master Clinician Award seeks to honor an interventional radiologist who exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, patient care, diligence in their work and continuous improvement within the field as well as who has made a demonstrable impact at their institution or practice as a result. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the reputation and practice of interventional radiology through their hard work, commitment and, most importantly, clinical practice. The award is being given in the name of Barry T. Katzen, MD, FSIR, who pioneered clinical practice for IR in 1976 and became a vocal advocate, champion and example for colleagues of the importance of IR being a clinical discipline for advancement of the specialty.

The recipient will receive:

• Complimentary annual meeting registration
• Recognition during the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

The current health and human services model and accompanying policies have led to a fragmented system of services creating unnecessary barriers and challenges to accessing care for those most in need. These systemic challenges contribute to inequities in health outcomes and determinants of health. A consolidated department will reduce these challenges and improve outcomes for all Utahns, particularly those within communities where disparities are greatest.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

FAST 4.1: Value-Based Care Models

This opportunity will help prepare Utah’s rural providers to transition to value-based care models by delivering comprehensive needs assessments, training, and robust data infrastructure for quality reporting and interoperability. This program will work towards operationalizing a Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) to centralize administrative functions like billing and IT, while collaborating with insurers to pilot new payment models.

The Roger Berger Grant for the Arts, established by the Story County Community Foundation, supports collaborative projects by nonprofit organizations that promote community arts and culture, focusing on Opera. This initiative encourages creativity and innovative approaches to enhance access to arts programs, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in Story County. Organizations can apply for funding up to three years for projects aimed at enriching community experiences and engagement with the arts.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

Waseca Area Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• Provide grants for agencies that serve residents of Waseca County.
• Provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.

The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.

All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Howie Wier Memorial Conservation Grant, offered by the Anza-Borrego Foundation, supports graduate students in ecology and conservation biology. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for field studies in the Colorado Desert and Peninsular Range, honoring Howie Wier's legacy as a passionate naturalist. Proposals are assessed for scholarly merit and project feasibility, ensuring contributions to the region's conservation efforts for future generations.

The Howard Wallis Irwin & Dorise Carlyon Irwin Foundation Grant aims to support youth, families, education, and the elderly. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on social service projects that promote independence and self-reliance, primarily in the Portland Metropolitan area. Funding is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) status, with an emphasis on efforts that enhance economic participation and community vitality. The foundation does not support medical research or grants to individuals.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant Program in Arkansas focuses on improving community welfare through grants that support arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. By investing in these key areas, the foundation aims to enhance the well-being of communities, promote the development of future leaders, and ensure a sustainable future. Organizations in Northeast, Northwest, and Little Rock, AR, are eligible, while individual support and certain types of organizations are excluded.

The First Horizon Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to enhancing communities in Northwest Mississippi by investing over $150 million in grants. The foundation focuses on key areas such as arts, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health services. It aims to strengthen community pillars by fostering leadership development, promoting financial knowledge, and supporting cultural enrichment to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all residents.

The First Horizon Foundation, a private funder, actively supports organizations in Texas by investing in critical areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. Their grants aim to enhance community well-being, promote future financial stability, and nurture the next generation of leaders. The Foundation focuses on projects that bring sustainable benefits, particularly in Houston and Dallas, ensuring they do not support certain ineligible groups or initiatives.

The Berkeley Film Foundation's BFF: Documentary Grant supports independent filmmakers in the East Bay, focusing on projects that highlight social consciousness and complex societal issues. Grants are available for production, post-production, and distribution phases, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on originality and storytelling. The foundation values diverse narratives, particularly those that celebrate underrepresented communities and address environmental concerns, providing a platform for impactful storytelling in the film industry.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant supports organizations in East Tennessee, focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. Grants are available to eligible entities in cities like Knoxville, Maryville, and Chattanooga, while individuals and certain organizations, including K-12 schools and political groups, are ineligible. This initiative aims to strengthen communities through strategic investments.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation

A 2021 International Tennis Hall of Famer, Dennis was the founder of the Professional Tennis Registry Foundation (PTR Foundation), now called Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and the Van Der Meer Tennis University.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation provides support to deserving individuals and organizations globally. The foundation is also focused on bringing tennis within reach to countless people worldwide.

Nehemiah Atkinson Humanitarian Grant

This grant reflects the Foundation’s dedication to giving and serving others. It is awarded to individuals who have shown an extraordinary commitment to enhancing the lives of those around them.

The Foundation supports projects that promote and preserve the legacy, vision, and spirit of our founder, Dennis Van der Meer. We will only consider funding for educational, life enrichment, mentoring, and tennis programs.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a new funding opportunity to enhance access to telehealth services in underserved communities. This initiative aims to support individuals with opioid use disorder and related substance use disorders by establishing comprehensive telehealth systems. Key activities include developing technology infrastructure, acquiring necessary equipment, and providing training for telehealth providers. This program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, ensuring essential health services reach those in need.

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) Baccalaureate Scholarship supports Washington residents pursuing high-demand STEM and healthcare degrees. With up to $22,500 in financial aid, it covers tuition and essential costs like housing and transportation. WSOS is inclusive, accepting undocumented applicants and focusing on students with financial needs. The program emphasizes career support to ensure scholars succeed from college to their first job, making it an excellent choice for future professionals in critical fields.

SVCreates offers Unrestricted Operating Grants to support small nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Santa Clara County. These grants aim to enhance equity, inclusion, and sustainability while positively impacting the local cultural ecosystem. Eligible organizations must have a 501c3 status and operate primarily within the county. The grant amounts are determined based on various factors, including panel recommendations and organizational budgets, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on budget categories.

About Arizona Cardinals Foundation The Arizona Cardinals Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team.Mission: To elevate the efforts of those serving the special needs community in Arizona, and to dramatically increase the impact we make together. Cardinals Community Grant

Special Needs is the heart of our mission. Approximately 4% of the US population has an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD).  We are taking the Arizona Cardinals legacy of charitable giving to the next level with a clear and focused effort on impacting the lives of those living with IDDs in Arizona. The foundation fund new and innovative programs that expand services, promote inclusion and create equal opportunities for those living with an IDD.

The Ethnic Studies Course Development grant supports Minnesota districts and charters in creating K-12 ethnic studies courses, as mandated by state legislation. It offers funding up to $50,000 for collaborative projects among schools, district-level initiatives, and individual educators. This initiative aims to enrich curriculum and promote understanding of diverse cultures, fostering a more inclusive educational environment for students across Minnesota.

The Ward 6 DC Main Streets Support Grant Program, managed by the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, allocates $350,000 to support DC non-profits enhancing small businesses and community development. Applications open on March 24, 2025, for two funding pools: $100,000 for 5-10 grants ($5,000-$20,000 each) and $250,000 for 1-3 grants ($75,000-$250,000 each). Eligible applicants include only DC-incorporated non-profits.