Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Book Buddies Program, initiated by The Molina Foundation, aims to combat the lack of access to books in low-income communities. By distributing new, free books to eligible schools and agencies, the program fosters literacy and learning among children. With over 4 million books distributed, it helps create word-rich environments essential for educational success. This initiative supports families in building home libraries and enhances learning spaces, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

This RFP invites proposals that explore the role of maintenance therapy in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. It aims to enhance understanding of treatment optimization, emphasizing patient quality of life and individualized treatment strategies. Eligible applicants include organizations from the U.S. and select European countries. The focus is on educational projects that improve awareness among healthcare professionals, with a range of formats accepted, including live sessions and online content. Clinical research projects are excluded.

The NIH Stroke Clinical Trials Network (StrokeNet) aims to enhance stroke treatment and recovery through a robust national infrastructure. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this initiative focuses on clinical trials that evaluate innovative therapies for stroke patients and those at risk. The program is currently not soliciting applications but encourages the development of collaborations to support the national coordinating center and data management efforts, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by stroke.

The United We Stand Grant provides vital funding for Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in Nevada, aimed at enhancing preparedness against terrorism. This grant supports planning, training, and procurement of necessary supplies and equipment. Eligible LEPCs must comply with state regulations and demonstrate how funds will be utilized to strengthen community safety. This initiative aligns with the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security priorities, ensuring that local entities are equipped to respond effectively to potential threats.

The United We Stand Grant for State Agencies in Nevada provides crucial funding to enhance preparedness against terrorism. It supports local and state governments with planning, training, and purchasing necessary supplies and equipment. This initiative aligns with the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security's priorities, ensuring that applications focus on effective strategies for combating potential threats. By providing financial assistance, the grant empowers agencies to develop robust emergency response capabilities.

The Missouri Bar Foundation empowers justice and elevates the legal profession through charitable initiatives. By supporting law-related community projects and educational programs across Missouri, the foundation ensures equitable access to legal resources. Key initiatives include funding legal services for low-income individuals, educational conferences for teachers, and scholarships for law students. With a mission to enhance public appreciation for the rule of law, the foundation plays a crucial role in strengthening the legal community and fostering civic engagement.

The Gordon Lange Scholarship, offered by the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, supports current PCSS cross country competition athletes. This merit, character, and needs-based scholarship helps cover race or camp expenses, including team travel. Named after a dedicated coach, the scholarship aims to honor Gordon Lange's legacy by encouraging young athletes to grow as individuals and excel in their sport, fostering a community of support and excellence in cross country skiing.

The State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Coast Guard, aims to enhance safety and enjoyment on America's waterways. This federal program provides grants to designated state agencies to reduce boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although not open to the public, it plays a critical role in ensuring safe recreational boating experiences by implementing effective safety measures, thereby promoting public welfare and environmental protection.

The René M. Vandervelde Research Grant, offered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support students and researchers in marine paleontology, geology, or stratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Pierre and Bearpaw Shales in North America. Established in 2007 with the support of Korite® International, the grant aims to promote scientific research and publications about the unique fauna and flora found in these geological deposits.

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) has been supporting nonprofits since 1999 by awarding Community Grants to enhance the quality of life in Waukesha County. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and support areas such as arts, health, education, and environment. Organizations must serve the county and submit evidence of 501(c)(3) status. Collaboration and impact on community outcomes are key preferences for funding.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

Presser Foundation

Passionate about music, Theodore Presser wanted to give back to it. When he died in 1925, he had been widowed twice without any children. The bulk of his fortune was left to The Presser Foundation, which was formally established 14 years after his death. From 1995 to June 2021, The Presser Foundation gave more than $80 million to music organizations, undergraduate and graduate music students, and retired music teachers.

Originally, the Foundation sought to promote the causes of musical education and musical philanthropy by providing scholarships for promising students, supporting the construction of buildings for music organizations, and directing aid to retired music teachers. Over time, the Foundation has evolved to support a broad array of music genres, expand its grantmaking areas, convene its nonprofit partners at special events, and collaborate with fellow funders, while continuing to follow the original intent and wishes of Theodore Presser.

Assistance to Music Teachers

Theodore Presser, mindful of his own early struggles in the profession, was committed to the support of music teachers. He also felt a sense of gratitude for the thousands of teachers who were the primary customers of his music publication business. In 1906, he established the Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers in Philadelphia. When it was no longer practical to maintain an independent facility, the Foundation created the Assistance to Music Teachers Committee to carry on its basic mission of financial support for retired teachers with financial need.

Typically, the Foundation provides modest financial assistance and/or help with the cost of medical insurance. Awards are made to individuals living in the United States whose primary occupation was as a teacher of music. To be considered for Assistance, applicants must be nominated by a music institution for consideration. 

The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area, honors the spirit of a young girl by supporting local youth initiatives. Grants focus on community betterment and provide artistic, leadership, and humanitarian opportunities for youth. While no application is required, a one-page request letter can be submitted online by October 1. Grants are typically awarded in January, benefiting local organizations and enhancing the quality of life for children in the region.

The Arts Fund for Region One provides scholarships and grants to support the artistic development of students in the six towns of Northwest Connecticut. Established in 1992, it aims to enhance arts education and accessibility, ensuring that residents of Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon can pursue their artistic passions. The Susan Fillman Memorial Scholarship honors a co-founder dedicated to making arts available to all children, facilitating summer study opportunities in the arts.

The Reid Sasnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors from Pungo Christian Academy and Beaufort County high schools pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to aid students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and community service, especially those passionate about agriculture and wildlife. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference for volunteer firefighters and Pungo Academy alumni.

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship Fund provides financial support for North Carolina high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university as full-time students. Eligible applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The goal of the PATH Grant is to assist individuals who are at imminent risk or are experiencing homelessness and have a Serious Mental Illness (SMI), or Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (COD). The services provided connect the individuals in need with mainstream, and other supportive services to help secure safe and stable housing, improve health, and encourage a self- directed, purposeful life.

The purpose of Community Workforce Partnerships Grant is to support community-led workforce development initiatives that support economic mobility within a single Massachusetts municipality. Projects must respond to a community-defined economic need or opportunity and demonstrate a clear link to stable employment and/or wage growth within one year.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing genomic research through the development and distribution of high-value resources. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts in genomic resource development and the integration of data science in clinical applications. While applications are not currently being accepted, prospective applicants are urged to prepare meaningful collaborations and projects ahead of the formal solicitation.

About DCA

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

HOME-ARP Program Fact Sheet: Rental Housing

Overview:

A PJ may use HOME-ARP funds to acquire, construct and rehabilitate rental housing for occupancy by individuals and families that meet one of the Qualifying Populations defined in CPD Notice: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program (“the Notice”). HOME-ARP rental housing may include single family or multifamily housing, transitional or permanent housing, group homes, single room occupancy (SRO) units, and manufactured housing.

To promote the development of financially viable housing, PJs may pay the entire amount of eligible costs associated with HOME-ARP rental units, are encouraged to work with local PHAs and state or local agencies to obtain project-based rental assistance and may provide ongoing operating cost assistance or capitalize a project operating cost assistance reserve to address operating deficits of HOME-ARP units occupied by qualifying households. To promote inclusion of HOME-ARP units in mixed-income housing, up to 30 percent of the units a PJ funds with its HOME-ARP grant may be restricted for occupancy by households that are low-income.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

The NC Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship supports North Carolina high school seniors pursuing education degrees. Eligible applicants should have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 and SAT scores ranging from 900 to 1050. The selection committee considers academic performance, community service, integrity, and leadership potential. Applications will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026, providing a valuable opportunity for future educators to advance their studies.