Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Dan D. Nale Engineering Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2019, supports academic excellence among dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace employees. Eligible students must pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, focusing on Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace disciplines. Preference is given to applicants attending the Citadel or those who have participated in Gulfstream co-op or internship programs.

The Lillian L. Colby Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational and economic opportunities for underserved individuals in the Chattanooga region. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, the Foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)(3) exempt. Special consideration is given to those named in Mrs. Colby’s Trust Agreement. Organizations not receiving funding may reapply after two years, ensuring broad accessibility and support for innovative programs that uplift marginalized communities.

The Tuscola County Community Foundation's Founders Fund Grant supports innovative and start-up projects from grassroots or smaller non-profits. Established in 1997, this fund aims to improve the quality of life in Tuscola County by providing grants up to $600 for various charitable initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that yield substantial community benefits, foster collaboration, and leverage additional local funding, ensuring lasting impact beyond the grant period.

The Tulsa Foundation Grant supports charitable nonprofit organizations in the Tulsa, OK community across various program areas, including arts, education, and health. Funded exclusively for 501(c)(3) entities, this grant aims to enhance community development and civic activities. Note that individuals are not eligible to apply, ensuring that funds are directed towards organizations that contribute to the well-being of the Tulsa area. For more information, refer to the foundation finder.

The Betty O’Connor Memorial/Youth Bowling Scholarship supports high school students in Steuben County who demonstrate a passion for bowling through participation in sanctioned leagues, varsity, or unified bowling. Administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this scholarship aims to remove financial barriers to education for deserving individuals in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Applicants must first complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health with Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (MA FRESH CORP)

Purpose

The purpose of this state-funded targeted grant program is to support MA FRESH CORP affiliates to ensure local food system activities - including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs - are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs that promote food literacy. Grant funds will support further off-boarding technical assistance and guidance to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans past the grant period.

Fund Use

MA FRESH CORP is designed to ensure local food system activities — including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs — are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs. This funding seeks to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans as awardees work to transition their programming model to other sustainable funding models.

Funding will be prioritized for the budget areas described below. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of the total funding expended for FY26 Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health Coordination and Optimization of Resources and PartnershipsMA FRESH CORP in the following budget categories. Total funding requests may not exceed $50,000.

• Professional Salaries: For the coordination and implementation of local food system education and/or local procurement by full-time, salaried and benefited positions, part-time positions, or for the expansion of hours/stipending of internal personnel - such as nutrition professionals, educators, or community/family stakeholders.
• Contracted Services: To provide technical assistance, coaching, professional development, the development of resources such as program protocols or curriculum and/or strategic planning consultation. The hiring of a contracted partner should be in service of cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity and should not be used primarily to support the direct execution of direct farm to school programming by the contracted partner.
• Professional Development Expenses (Other Expenses): To attend farm to school, food literacy, agricultural or culinary oriented workshops, trainings, or conferences. Associated costs may include registration fees, travel fees, mileage, compensation/stipends for out-of-work time, or the cost of substitutes required to provide coverage for personnel attending professional development opportunities.

Equipment, supply, and infrastructure costs capped at 10% of the total budget request are allowable but will be contingent on budget availability once priority budget areas described above are funded for eligible applicants.

MA FRESH CORP awardees will be required to:

• participate in periodic grant meetings, professional development opportunities and technical assistance
• track local spending (dollar value) within Child Nutrition Programs during the grant period
• complete a funding succession plan

Priority will be given to MA FRESH CORP affiliates that:

• Have created a job description and/or consultant scope of work that ensures local food system activities are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community
• Have current programming in all three core areas of farm to school: Classroom (such as food system curriculum and school garden activities), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips, family engagement or food system partnerships).
• Have successfully onboarded farm to school personnel or contracted partners through MA FRESH CORP funding and are seeking to retain these personnel and contracted partnerships through the duration of the 2026-2027 school year
• Have effectively stewarded use of MA FRESH CORP funding awarded to date
• Are committed to identifying strategies for retaining farm to school personnel or contracted partners through alternative funding strategies outside of the MA FRESH CORP grant program
• Are willing to participate in program evaluation and off-boarding technical assistance activities, including the completion of a funding succession plan.

Beverly Education Foundation

The Beverly Education Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization dedicated to enriching, enhancing, and supporting Beverly’s public education system. Anyone interested in supporting public education in Beverly may participate in this all volunteer charitable organization.

Established in 1997, the purpose of the Beverly Education Foundation is to stimulate innovation and excellence by supporting educational programs that are outside normal public funding and to maintain a permanent fund to implement and continue such programs and activities. The Beverly Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation that stimulates excellence in the Beverly Public Schools by awarding grants for projects that support the curriculum, by funding professional development for educators, and by raising the profile of public education in Beverly.  

Beverly Education Foundation Grant

The following suggested topics are not meant to preclude other topics, but are encouraged by the Beverly Public Schools. BEF will support the wonderfully creative ideas of our teachers and parents which enhance teaching and learning in a 21st century global environment.

• Civics and history
  • proposals which generate greater awareness of federal, state, and local government and history providing insight into American life, national identity, racism, injustice, inequality for people of color, and cultural expression, and international law
• Literacy, oral & written presentation of research, findings and conclusions at the K-5 level and middle school level
  • proposals which support reading, writing, and literacy
• Professional development for teachers to improve social and emotional knowledge and awareness of students, to discuss race and inclusion in our schools, to support students and school community members of color, to enhance skills, and boost enthusiasm of teaching
  • proposals which develop new strategies of teaching targeting anxious and reluctant learners and which promote educational leadership, growth, and renewal for teachers and students
• Digital literacy and use of technology to enhance and enrich learning in all grades
  • Director of Technology must approve the proposal before being submitted
• Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, particularly in its application to everyday life and climate change
• Fluency in required Mass Curriculum Frameworks, Common Core, and effective study skills at all levels and grades for all students to close the achievement gap.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH)

Purpose

The purpose of this state funded competitive grant program is to encourage National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) sponsors to start or expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system. Furthermore, this grant seeks to connect food system education to the availability of local foods served in school or early education meal programs through strategic planning and investment in internal staff positions and/or external partnerships.

Funding

Applicant proposals must be submitted in one of the following categories. Only one application will be accepted per Child Nutrition Program sponsor. Sponsors of both the NSLP and CACFP may only submit one application for consideration.

Applicants may apply for funding in one of the five following categories:

• New K–12 Farm to School Initiative Grants
• New Farm to Early Education Initiative Grants

["New" farm to school/early education initiatives engage in none or only one of the farm to school three "C's": Classroom (such as curriculum and school garden engagement), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips or non-profit food system partnerships). Applicants that have been dormant in all farm to school activities for the last three years also qualify as "new."]

• Expanding K–12 Farm to School Initiative Grants
• Expanding Farm to Early Education Initiative Grants
• MA FRESH CORP Planning Grant

Fund Use

The program is designed to support K–12 and early education programs in food literacy initiatives that connect local food system education to the availability of local foods served in school or early education meal programs. Applicants will be asked to indicate all activities their MA FRESH application seeks to fund. Project activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Building a new garden for children
• Building a new indoor growing operation for children
• Developing classroom curriculums or lesson plans that support food literacy efforts
• Expanding in-school or child care programming to promote food literacy for children through gardening, cooking, taste tests and more
• Field trip(s) to local farm/food producers
• Expanding before/after school/child care programming that supports food literacy, and exposure to local foods for children and families
• Completing farm to school strategic planning, including the development of an action plan, job description(s) for food literacy coordination, or a scope of work for a contractor to cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity in food literacy
• Professional development and training for educators to bring food literacy activities or curriculum to their classrooms
• Professional development and training for school nutrition professionals to integrate local, unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients into program meals
• Funds can only be used to fund new staff time or salaries because of new or expanded initiatives.

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers Capacity Building Grants aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency for nonprofits in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants support innovative solutions to community challenges, focusing on meaningful work, character development for youth, and fostering connections to nature. Eligible organizations must be 501-C3 registered or have a fiscal sponsor and must not engage in lobbying or political activities. Grants are tailored to meet specific needs, promoting sustainable impact.

The Schlecht Family Foundation Inc is committed to transforming communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin through innovative support for organizations. Their grantmaking focuses on capacity building, seed funding, general operating grants, and impact investments, aiming to empower individuals through meaningful work, foster connections to nature, and help youth develop essential life skills. The foundation prioritizes organizations that align with their mission and avoid funding capital campaigns or endowments.

The DCNR Circuit Rider Grant offers funding to support the hiring of full-time staff for regional park, recreation, and conservation initiatives. Eligible applicants include county and municipal governments, as well as multi-municipal agencies. Grant funding covers salaries and approved training expenses, decreasing over four years from 100% in the first year to 25% in the fourth year. This program enhances local capacity for effective recreation and conservation management.

About SCAF

The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation strengthens our community by empowering nonprofits, fostering community involvement, and providing educational opportunities through collaboration and giving.

We live, work, and give within the Stanwood-Camano community. We intimately understand its evolving needs, from supporting local school programs to helping the newest grassroots nonprofits get established.

Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation: Educational
Enhancement Grants

The Educational Enhancement Grant program provides additional resources, experiences, and opportunities for students in the Stanwood-Camano School District. These grants help educators implement innovative and meaningful projects that directly enhance student learning.

Available Funds

• Individual Grants
  • Up to $1,000
• Collaborative Grants
  • Up to $3,000

Grant Qualifications

• Grants are for the 2026-2027 school year and must be spent by April 15, 2027.

• Applications will be reviewed and approved by building administrators and any relevant department.

• Project budgets must follow District purchasing guidelines. Unused funds will be reserved by SCAF for future grants.

• Materials or equipment purchased with grant funds are property of SCSD and may be shared or transferred between schools with approval.

• If a grant recipient changes schools or roles before implementation, SCAF will determine the disposition of funds in consultation with District staff.

The Tuttleman Foundation, established in Philadelphia in 2003, provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to 501c3 organizations. Guided by the legacy of Stanley and Edna Tuttleman, the foundation focuses on areas such as education, community building, health care, arts and museums, basic human services, and spirituality. Their engaged philanthropy aims to support enduring benefits for the communities they serve, reflecting the founders' commitment to impactful giving.

The Animal Welfare and Appreciation Fund Grant, offered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, aims to promote animal welfare and enhance public understanding of the animal kingdom. This grant supports both new and existing programs that serve the greater Sioux Falls area, focusing on health, safety, and the prevention of cruelty to animals. Applications will open in fall 2024, encouraging local nonprofits to strengthen their impact on the community.

The Knox County Foundation, active for over 72 years, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Mount Vernon and Knox County through charitable giving. It supports diverse projects, prioritizing those that address unmet community needs, foster volunteerism, and promote collaboration among nonprofits. The foundation encourages innovative solutions and aims to make a significant impact on the community's well-being, while also developing a permanent endowment to sustain its efforts.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Doris Merchant Bradshaw & Virgil Bradshaw Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County high school graduate attending a West Virginia college or university pursuing a degree in early childhood education; Awarded based upon both need and merit.

The Nina Baldwin Fisher Foundation Grant Program supports initiatives that promote justice, equity, and well-being within the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region. With no application deadlines, this program focuses on empowering individuals through social justice, aiding survivors of domestic violence, and facilitating access to green spaces and nutrition. The foundation prioritizes organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, fostering positive change in the community.

The Knox County Foundation Small Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Mount Vernon and Knox County. With a legacy of over 75 years, the Foundation prioritizes charitable giving that addresses education, health, and community development. It supports innovative projects that fulfill unmet needs and encourages collaborations among local nonprofits. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities. The Foundation prefers to act as a funding partner rather than the sole source.

The Lipe Charitable Trust Grant, established by Walter E. Lipe, aims to support the sick and disabled in Denver, Colorado. This private foundation focuses on health and human services, ensuring that public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3) can apply for funding. While it primarily serves the Denver area, the foundation does not fund certain requests, including individual support or conference expenses. Its mission continues to positively impact the community long after Mr. Lipe's passing.

The Plainville Community Fund, established in 2006, serves as a vital resource for charitable programs enhancing the lives of residents in Plainville. Grants are available for public institutions or private tax-exempt organizations that benefit the community. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate sustainability and community impact through collaborations, addressing emerging needs, and leveraging additional funding resources.

DOE Weatherization 

Population to be Targeted:

• Income eligible clients.

Dollar Range for Award Minimum: $50,000.00

Estimate of Total Amount of Funds to be Awarded: $0.00

Dollar Range for Award Maximum: $1,000,000.00  

Allowable Costs:

• Measures recommended on the DOE approved energy audits 

Purpose of Grant:

To implement weatherization and conservation measures in the housing units of income-eligible families and individuals so as to reduce energy consumption and increase the comfort and health and safety of the occupants.

The Ahearn Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Binghamton and Broome County. Founded by J. Donald and Irma Ahearn, the foundation prioritizes health and education but also supports cultural and environmental initiatives. Grants are available to tax-exempt organizations, with a preference for one-time, non-operating needs. However, individual applications and requests for operating expenses are not accepted, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the community.

The Bender Family Foundation Grant supports arts, culture, education, history, and environment initiatives in New York's Capital Region. Established in 1997, it prioritizes projects within Albany County and offers funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Nonprofit organizations, including those under fiscal sponsorship, are eligible to apply. However, grants are not available for individuals or annual fund drives, ensuring support is directed toward impactful community projects.

The Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (APCSP) program aims to prepare high school students for careers in the high-demand field of computer science. By providing funding to public school districts, this grant supports the development and expansion of computer science pathways, starting with the implementation of the AP Computer Science Principles course. This initiative not only benefits students and their families but also enhances the future economic landscape of Texas.

About Us

Since its creation in 1991 the Center for Crime Victim Services (CCVS) provides compassionate, victim-centered services to victims of crime. CCVS collaborates with partners across the state to develop and support new programs. Our goal is that each program be:

• innovative,
• comprehensive,
• accessible to all crime victims,
• respectful,
• and compassionate.

We support services for victims and survivors whether or not the crime is reported or prosecuted.

We work with government, survivors, and communities to create laws that will help victims rebuild their lives.

Victims of Crime Act

In 1984, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) established the Crime Victims Fund in the U.S. Treasury and authorized the Fund to receive deposits of fines and penalties levied against criminals convicted of federal crimes. The Department of Justice is responsible for the distribution of the funds, which are collected by U.S. Attorney’s Offices, U.S. Courts, and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. This Fund provides the source of funding for all activities authorized by VOCA.

The purpose of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well-being of victims of crime with priority given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and services for previously underserved victims. The Office for Crime Victims (OVC) makes annual VOCA crime victim assistance grants from the Fund to states. The primary purpose of these grants is to support the provision of services to victims of crime throughout the nation. For the purpose of these Programs Guidelines, services are defined as those efforts that:

• Respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims;
• Assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after victimization;
• Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security such as boarding up broken windows and replacing or repairing locks.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program supports small agribusinesses in urban Missouri, offering funding for projects that enhance agribusiness sustainability and economic growth. Eligible projects include business plan development, community gardens, and training programs for workforce development. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, with a maximum award of $10,000, aimed at fostering local agricultural initiatives and infrastructure. This program encourages innovation in urban farming and aims to strengthen local economies.