Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Partnership Agreement Grants for FY 2027 to support state and regional arts agencies. These grants enhance community access to the arts and leverage federal funding to attract additional state resources. By enabling agencies to create state arts plans, the NEA fosters a collaborative approach that strengthens the arts landscape across the nation, ensuring that local needs and priorities are addressed effectively.

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages over 250,000 acres of iconic landscape across our state in our parks, recreation areas, and natural areas, with a mission dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

Our Mission: The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation.

About Trail Grants

The Recreational Trails Program is a $1.5-million federal grant program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

RTP is a reimbursement grant program. Funds must be spent and then reimbursed upon completion of deliverables. Eligible applicants must be a state, federal or local government agencies or qualified nonprofit organization. All applications are reviewed by the North Carolina Trails Committee and recommendations are made to the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Secretary makes the final determination on grant awards. 

RTP Safety and Education Grants

Safety and Education grants may be awarded for trail-related safety and education instructor fees, speaker fees, displays, signage and other uses. Please contact your regional trails specialist for questions about the grant.

The Galveston Community Impact Grant, funded by the Mary Moody Northen Endowment, supports essential purchases and renovations for non-profit organizations in Virginia and Texas. Grants up to $20,000 aim to improve service delivery and energy efficiency. Organizations can submit multiple applications, focusing on cooperative efforts and leveraging additional funding. Detailed program budgets are required for specific funding requests, ensuring that the board can make informed decisions on grant proposals.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

St. Florian Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. Awards are based on community service, academic achievement, as well as need. Applicants with strong connection to public safety and those living in the KCMO metro preferred.

 Previous scholarship recipients are welcome to re-apply. 

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Mentorship Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to provide for ESC-to-ESC mentorship with regards to ESCs’ efforts to implement Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) training in their regions for the benefit of campuses and districts participating in school improvement activities. Participating ESC will provide year-long guidance, training, and coaching to other ESCs to support building, developing, and deploying their TIL teams.

About Us

The Santa Fe Community Foundation inspires philanthropic generosity, strengthens nonprofits, and fosters positive change to build a more vibrant, healthy, and resilient region. We envision a thriving northern New Mexico, where all people can find opportunity, build connections, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Piñon Awards

Now in its 40th year, our annual Piñon Awards recognize local nonprofits making extraordinary contributions to northern New Mexico communities. First held in a board member’s living room, the awards ceremony has become a beloved fall tradition filling the La Fonda ballroom with supporters, community leaders, and friends new and old. Thank you for joining us in honoring the nonprofit leaders who make our region a better place for all.

Each year, the Santa Fe Community Foundation proudly presents Piñon Awards to nonprofit organizations making extraordinary contributions to northern New Mexico communities. We are currently accepting nominations for our 40th Annual Piñon Awards through Friday, May 8, 2026.

Tried & True Award

An organization that has served the community for over a decade with consistent and high-quality programs, services, and opportunities despite changes in the external environment.

The Kenosha Community Foundation's Creativity by Kids (CBK) Small Grant aims to support programs in the arts and understanding of nature, emphasizing cross-cultural and multi-generational initiatives. Grants of $750 or $1,500 are available to not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Funded by the Clark-Barber Family Fund and Kubasiewicz Family Trust, the program encourages both existing projects and innovative ideas within the arts and environmental sectors.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Youth Sports Fund of Grayson County - Fall Football

CKCF’s Youth Sports Funds encourage and support youth participation in recreational sports, making these opportunities available to any player, regardless of their financial situation. Our Youth Sports Funds offers scholarships for families who need financial assistance for children to play sports.

Scholarships may cover all or a portion of registration fees and/or sports equipment. Scholarships will be paid directly to the sports league, not to the individual participants. Funding is limited, and scholarships are not guaranteed to all applicants.

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. This program encourages innovative projects that promote marketing, research, and accessibility of specialty crops while addressing industry challenges. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and government agencies. The program prioritizes economic benefits, feasibility, and alignment with budgetary constraints, ensuring a positive impact on Florida's agricultural landscape.

The Ashtabula Foundation provides grants of $5,001 and above to non-profit organizations in Ashtabula County, focusing on arts, culture, education, recreation, and conservation. Organizations must hold a 501(C)(3) status and utilize funds to benefit local citizens. Each organization may submit one grant request annually. The foundation prioritizes projects that create a significant impact on the community, emphasizing human services alongside other categories.

The 2025 Vilcek Foundation Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations that celebrate immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences. The foundation invites applications from organizations operating under U.S. IRS Section 501(c)(3) that promote diversity and inclusivity. Grants will be prioritized for new partners and those in states without prior funding. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering appreciation for immigrant communities and their impact on society.

CNYCF: Community Grants Program- Spring Cycle

We support the following types of projects that promote community impact, capacity building and diversity:

Capital Projects: including large scale capital campaigns, repairs and replacements, technology upgrades, and equipment/furnishing purchases.

Capital and programmatic grants $10,000-$150,000 are available through the Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund to organizations in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties that support outdoor parks and recreation areas. Preferences are for parks and recreation areas that provide access for hunting and fishing, naming opportunities, programs that involve youth, and conservation efforts to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. 

Program: support for new and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address our community’s most pressing needs.

Focus Areas

• Arts & culture, environment, animals, civic engagement, education

The Buchanan County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Buchanan County, Iowa, by providing funding for various projects that benefit the community. This includes support for arts, education, health, and community betterment initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. The foundation prioritizes projects that involve community engagement and demonstrate sustainability without ongoing financial dependence.

The Focused Technology Research and Development (R01) grant supports innovative projects aimed at developing technologies to enhance biomedical research. This funding opportunity emphasizes the creation of laboratory instruments, algorithms, and biological systems that can significantly improve research capabilities. Key deadlines for applications are set for February, June, and October of 2025 through 2027, ensuring ample time for proposal submissions. The initiative is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation offers Social Impact Grants to support initiatives that promote equity and justice for low-income ALAANA communities. With a focus on education, economic empowerment, and systemic change, the foundation seeks to address the root causes of inequity through flexible funding for general operations or specific projects. Organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation or work with a fiscal sponsor to be eligible. Grants prioritize evidence-based interventions and advocacy efforts.

The CCF: Arts and Culture Grants aim to enhance access to creative arts programs while addressing disparities in the arts. By supporting initiatives led by BIPOC artists, the program fosters community engagement through participatory arts, collaboration, and advocacy for underrepresented groups. The Connecticut Community Foundation encourages applications from nonprofit organizations that create impactful cultural experiences, promote economic development, and nurture a diverse, inclusive arts sector, ultimately enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Easterby Family Scholarship ($7,000)

This renewable scholarship is for students from Laurens County, South Carolina who are pursuing graduate or post-graduate education in the fields of theology or medicine. 

The Dr. Claude and Nancy Phillips Dissertation Research Award at Western Michigan University provides up to $500 annually to support doctoral students in political science with their dissertation research. Applicants must submit a two-to-three page statement detailing their research plans and a budget for the intended use of funds. To be eligible, students must be in good standing and have achieved candidacy before the application deadline of February 1.

The Crabill Family Foundation, established in 2018 by Angela and Scott Crabill, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Springfield, Ohio, through grant funding. Prioritizing tax-exempt organizations, the foundation supports initiatives in healthcare, education, housing, and the arts. While they primarily select projects through family recommendations, unsolicited proposals are also considered. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships, sponsorships, emergency relief, or political activities, ensuring alignment with their values.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation invites proposals for innovative health solutions from Montana-based organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on project duration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government agencies. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating effective partnerships and sustainable impact. Organizations may submit multiple applications, but funding does not support individuals or capital campaigns. For further details, review the eligibility criteria and FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Indigo Oak Fund, based in Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing education, the arts, and social justice, particularly through its Equal Justice Under the Law Grant Program. This initiative supports organizations that promote fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation, and civic engagement. By funding programs focused on personal empowerment and equal opportunities, the fund aims to foster lifelong learning and improve lives, particularly for women and children in need.

The Mark Denenfeld Memorial Endowed Scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate political science majors at Western Michigan University. This scholarship, established in memory of Mark Denenfeld, provides up to $500 for the academic year. Eligible candidates must be senior political science majors with a strong academic record and community service involvement. Preference is given to those with more completed credit hours in political science. Applications are accepted annually.

The Langendorf Foundation Grant supports organizations that benefit community services, education, and the arts in San Francisco. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations providing direct services in the area. This foundation prioritizes first-time applicants and those that have not received funding in the past five years. Note that Letters of Intent should not be submitted before May 1, 2025, ensuring applicants are prepared with impactful proposals.

The Iowa County Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aims to enhance life in Iowa County through grants. It focuses on fostering vibrant communities and supporting rural areas by funding projects in arts, education, health, and more. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, with a minimum grant request of $2,500. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address community needs and promote collaboration.

The John R. Borsos Endowed Scholarship, offered by the WMU Department of Political Science, supports graduate students pursuing political science. Established in memory of John R. Borsos, this scholarship awards approximately $2,000 annually. To apply, candidates must submit an essay and references, ensuring they maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The scholarship emphasizes academic merit, with applications open to students enrolled in the graduate program for the fall semester.

The Winnebago County Community Foundation provides grants aimed at improving the quality of life in Winnebago County, Iowa. Focused on community betterment, education, health, and environmental initiatives, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. With a minimum grant request of $1,000, it prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate sustainability. Organizations can only submit one application, ensuring a fair review process for all applicants.