Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Community Arts & Culture: Project Grants provide funding for short-term arts and culture initiatives in Hillsboro, supporting organizations with budgets under $100,000. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and aim to enhance access to the arts for underserved populations, foster collaboration, and promote community engagement through diverse projects such as performances, workshops, and cultural festivals. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Cultural Arts staff to ensure eligibility.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation's Major Capital Grant aims to bolster low and moderate-income communities through impactful programs. With a focus on community development, education, human services, and arts integration, the Foundation partners with established non-profits to address essential needs. Grants primarily support significant capital projects, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and successful management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong operational history. This initiative seeks to empower community strength and sustainability.

The Larimer County Community Foundation offers Community Grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support charitable projects in Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in good standing with the IRS. The funding aims to create a lasting impact in the community through various programs and initiatives, enhancing the legacy of generous donors.

The City of Longmont is inviting applications for the Human Services Agency Funding Grant, aimed at supporting various safety net services for residents. Funding will focus on housing stability, self-sufficiency, food and nutrition, health and well-being, education and skill building, as well as safety and justice. Eligible organizations include private, public, nonprofit, and governmental agencies that serve low to moderate-income residents, and must demonstrate community involvement in their programs.

The Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation Grant supports Colorado-based nonprofits focused on children's health and education, as well as programs that enhance adult well-being. The foundation, established in 1979, emphasizes community responsibility and aims to foster opportunities through funding commitments. First-time applicants should note the current three-year wait list, while previous applicants can submit their Letters of Intent by October 31st, 2025, for the upcoming funding cycle.

AmeriCorps Nevada Formula Operational Grant

This is a funding opportunity for Institutions of higher education; local governments, school districts; nonprofit organizations; State Service Commissions; States and US Territories; Indian Tribes; and public health departments to apply for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities through service.

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. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

NOFO Priorities

• Added a public safety, crime prevention, and partnerships priority
• Added an expanding outdoor recreation for future generations priority
• Added a strengthening families priority

AmeriCorps Focus Areas

Disaster Services

Helping individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and increase community resiliency.

Economic Opportunity

Improving the economic well-being and security of underserved individuals.

Education

Improving educational outcomes for underserved people, especially children. AmeriCorps is particularly interested in program designs that support youth engagement and service learning as strategies to achieve high educational outcomes.

Environmental Stewardship

Supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and water, increase renewable energy use and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and communities.

Healthy Futures

Support for health needs within communities, including mitigating the impacts of public health crises, access to care, aging in place, public health, and addressing childhood obesity, especially in underserved communities.

Veterans and Military Families

Improving the quality of life of veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation to provide grants focused on supporting children, families, and basic human needs in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a yearly budget of approximately $200,000, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations serving the local community must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or represented by a fiscal sponsor. The Trust emphasizes non-discrimination and prioritizes local organizations.

The Western Reserve Health Foundation Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of Mahoning County residents by addressing diverse health disparities. Grants support innovative projects aligned with the 2023-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on mental health, access to care, and community safety. Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding to implement solutions that directly benefit local populations, with a preference for those connected to the Healthy Community Partnership.

The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, and educational organizations focused on improving the lives of underprivileged individuals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, often requiring a challenge or match. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS codes and located within specific Florida counties. However, requests from primarily government-funded institutions or for certain excluded purposes, such as individual scholarships or operating expenses, are generally denied.

The Healthy Communities Grant Program, previously known as Build Healthy, Strong Communities, is dedicated to improving community health in partnership with nonprofit organizations. The Florida Blue Foundation aims to address critical local issues, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. Through this initiative, they are committed to fostering better health outcomes and empowering neighbors to reach their full potential.

The Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

The Community Arts Grants, funded by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, aim to enhance local arts programming and promote community engagement through diverse artistic activities. Grant proposals should be open to the public and can include performances, exhibitions, and educational workshops. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government agencies serving specific counties. The program does not support individual artists or fundraising events, ensuring accessibility and community benefit.

The Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in San Antonio and Bexar County through support for arts, education, health and wellness, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower youth, promote health, and protect animal welfare, reflecting Mrs. Kelso's commitment to community enrichment. Organizations eligible for funding are primarily 501(c)(3) nonprofits, dedicated to making a positive impact in these focus areas.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

The Dunn Foundation Grant supports initiatives focused on social justice, population stability, and environmental issues in West Virginia. Preference is given to non-profit organizations engaged in coalition building, climate change, sustainable forestry, and alternative energy. The foundation encourages innovative funding methods, including real estate acquisition and donations, to achieve its goals. Applicants must be public charities with a 501(c)(3) determination letter, ensuring their projects lead to meaningful societal and environmental improvements.

The Santa Barbara Foundation's Conservation, Environment, and Public Trails Grant Program aims to support vital conservation and environmental projects within Santa Barbara County. With a maximum award of $25,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that enhance ecological sustainability, habitat restoration, and public trail access. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a clear strategy and capacity for project management. This initiative fosters community engagement and contributes to the preservation of the region's rich natural resources.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust B Grant supports charitable activities in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, established in 1984 by Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. It focuses on arts, education, health, human services, and religion, primarily aiding local organizations. Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000, with priority given to healthcare and educational initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round but must meet specific eligibility criteria, including 501(c)(3) status.

The Vitalyst Health Foundation offers Spark Grants to support Arizona-based organizations in their efforts to improve community health. These planning grants allow collaborative partners to explore solutions for systemic change rather than funding predetermined projects. Organizations must demonstrate a clearly identified community problem and engage in meaningful partnerships. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing health disparities across Arizona.

Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

About the Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

The Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow’s (RAFFT) mission is to drive transformative restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster that address historical inequities in the African American/Black community. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, RAFFT aims to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. 

Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members with lived experience.

Purpose of the RAFFT Fund

In 2023, Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (CMCL) established this fund to address inequities experienced by descendants of enslaved Africans. Understanding generations of racial injustice have resulted from (chattel slavery and Jim Crow segregation), other congregations of all faith traditions along with individuals are invited to contribute to the Reparations Action Fund for Tomorrow (RAFFT). Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members in Lancaster with lived experience.  

Our mission is to drive transformational restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster, PA that address historical inequities and support the empowerment of African American/Black communities. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a community where the legacy of our ancestors inspires action, accountability, and lasting change.

The Environment Anne Arundel Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, supports local nonprofits focused on environmental protection and improvement in Anne Arundel County and the Chesapeake Bay. Grants will fund projects addressing stormwater issues and increasing community awareness of environmental challenges. Eligible applicants must operate within the county, hold 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate their commitment to educating the public and engaging citizens in environmental stewardship.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) provides essential financial support to enhance community initiatives in Marinette and Menominee Counties. With multiple grant cycles throughout the year, they cater to diverse needs of local nonprofits, schools, and organizations. MMACF emphasizes philanthropy and collaboration, aiming to foster positive change and tackle local challenges. Their funds include the Youth Field of Interest Fund, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, and more, ensuring impactful investments in community development.

The Vermont Watershed Grant Program, established in 1998, aims to protect and restore Vermont's water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It funds projects that enhance surface water quality and support habitat improvement. Eligible projects include conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and recreational enhancements, focusing on monitoring water quality and protecting fish and wildlife habitats. Grants are available for towns, nonprofits, and community groups engaged in specific watershed-related projects.

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.