Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of Arlington youth through significant financial contributions. They provide grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that focus on youth programs in areas like athletics, health, education, and the arts. Recently, a $1 million donation supported the North Texas Youth Education Town, which offers educational and recreational services. This initiative aims to create a sustainable impact on the community and support local youth for years to come.

Impact100 Atlanta is a philanthropic initiative led by a diverse group of women aiming to create a sustainable impact in Metro Atlanta through collective funding. The organization focuses on supporting nonprofits addressing critical areas such as arts, education, family services, health, and environmental preservation. Grants are awarded based on eligibility criteria, and five finalists are selected to compete for funding at the Annual Meeting, promoting transformative projects within the community.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Seabury Foundation's Family Grants provide essential funding for 501(c)(3) organizations invited by a Seabury Family sponsor. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 to support general operations or specific projects. Focus areas include academic support, arts enrichment, lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Organizations with annual operating expenses exceeding $2.5 million may only seek project support. Note that after three years of funding within four years, organizations must wait three years before reapplying.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County offers the Signature Community Impact Grant, supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. Grants, up to $10,000, require significant community support and partnerships, with a focus on sustainability and addressing local needs. The granting process is competitive, emphasizing collaborations and in-kind contributions, and applicants must be a qualified non-profit or government entity.

The New York Climate Resilience Grant Program, funded by The Nature Conservancy, aims to enhance conservation and climate adaptation efforts led by local organizations. With a total funding of $500,000 available, grants of up to $50,000 will support land protection initiatives that mitigate flooding and erosion. The program encourages projects that foster community engagement and prioritize equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for marginalized groups, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change.

The Illinois Community Canopy Grant, offered by Trees Forever, supports disadvantaged communities in enhancing their tree canopy through tree planting projects. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000 for first-time applicants, with eligibility for up to $20,000 for milestones like establishing a tree board. The program emphasizes volunteer involvement and requires a diverse selection of tree species to promote long-term forest health. This initiative aims to fortify community forests and prepare for environmental challenges.

Funding Opportunity

Health-related Social Need Training

6-months

Improve the capacity of the diabetes, cardiovascular, or asthma workforce to address factors related to health-related social needs that impact outcomes for priority populations with and at risk for chronic disease.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Massachusetts. It offers grants for immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, and K-12 education, with specific priorities for communities with high immigrant populations. Applications are open to first-time grantees and returning organizations, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accessibility in the funding process.

The Active Transportation Grant Program aims to promote increased use of active transportation modes, such as biking and walking, throughout California. This program consolidates various federal and state transportation efforts and allocates significant funding annually to enhance safety and mobility for non-motorized users. The ATP also focuses on advancing public health and ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from transportation improvements, ultimately striving to make California a leader in active transportation initiatives.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Dime Bank Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on affordable housing, basic human services, and educational programs. Established in 1998, the foundation has three grant cycles annually, requiring a post-grant report within a year of funding. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve specified regions in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster self-sufficiency and collaborative efforts for underserved populations.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program offers funding to enhance and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems. With two grant types—Planning Grants and Implementation Grants—this program aims to foster understanding of watershed dynamics, identify areas of concern, and support conservation efforts. Planning Grants provide up to $10,000 for developing conservation plans, while Implementation Grants offer up to $25,000 for executing approved projects. Eligible applicants include watershed associations and local conservation entities.

The grant aims to enhance access to newborn hearing and pulse oximetry screenings in out-of-hospital settings across Minnesota. By providing portable screening equipment, it seeks to ensure timely identification and intervention for infants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and those with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). This initiative aligns with state mandates to improve newborn health outcomes and connect families with essential services.

The AK Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) enhances existing conservation efforts for agricultural and forest land. With over 70 million acres enrolled, it provides tailored plans to improve productivity, increase crop yields, and develop wildlife habitats. CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation activities, ensuring land is managed sustainably. New initiatives, such as the Grasslands Conservation Initiative, focus on protecting grazing land and conserving natural resources. CSP contracts last five years, with potential for renewal based on successful completion.

The Esther Tomljanovich Strategic Initiatives grant from the Medica Foundation supports transformative projects aimed at advancing health equity. With a funding capacity of up to $200,000 over two to three years, the initiative focuses on innovative proposals in healthcare workforce development, women's health, aging services, dental programs, and housing stability. Grantees are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and foster collaboration within their communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing unique health needs.

The Philip L. Van Every Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in North and South Carolina, focusing on education, healthcare, human services, and the arts. With a commitment to strengthen communities and support fiscal responsibility, the foundation aims to enhance lives through meaningful projects. Organizations must demonstrate a track record of success to be eligible for funding, which is generally awarded for special projects and capital needs.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable aim to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Greater Philadelphia. Grants under $15,000 facilitate programs in college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 education, and local environmental education. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote long-term connections and leadership development, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of poverty and foster sustainable community growth.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

The Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in environmental fields at Northern Virginia Community College or Virginia public universities. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate financial need and provide a compelling essay outlining their goals in environmental studies. Each academic year, three scholarships are awarded, ensuring vital support for those committed to making a difference in environmental conservation.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Christopher Family Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations focused on employment, entrepreneurship, and food security, primarily in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. They aim to support pathways to family-sustaining wages, foster local entrepreneurship, and enhance food access. Eligibility includes organizations that demonstrate excellence, collaborative learning, and a commitment to the community. The foundation prefers programmatic support and does not fund individuals, governmental entities, or housing services. Overall, CFF seeks to empower the community and improve quality of life.

The Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to address water quality issues through funding nonpoint source assessment and planning projects. This year's focus includes determining causes of water quality problems, developing climate-resilient designs, and creating nine-element Watershed-Based Plans. Environmental Justice Coordinator positions will also be supported to aid communities in assessments and grant applications, ultimately promoting sustainable water management practices.

What We Fund

Our founder, Tom Golisano, has deep and personal interest in supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and that build inclusive communities. The Golisano Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with IDD through transformational investments in organizations working to create inclusive communities where all citizens are valued as productive members of society.

With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following areas for funding consideration:

• Holds the principles of social justice in highest regard as demonstrated by agency’s mission, work and proposal; believes people with disabilities are powerful agents of change and that society as a whole benefits when all individuals reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community. 
• Supports throughout the life span and transitions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers including but not limited to the following areas: Educational support at various stages of development as well as life-long learning opportunities; employment services including supported, career development, vocational and life skills training; year-round preventative health services, fitness activities, physical and emotional wellness; expanded residential options for community living; caregiver respite; recreation; transportation, assistive technology, community awareness and advocacy. 
• Community-wide strategies that can grow best practices and effective programs to transformative scale; are easy to replicate and share broadly with the field. 
• Interdisciplinary and interagency alliances/collaborations/coalitions that bring together the expertise and perspectives of various disciplines including non-traditional human services providers such as businesses, higher education institutions, health systems, and government.
• Initiatives that target individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs; work to eliminate structural, economic or cultural barriers to services. 
• Person-directed services and planning with individuals and families involved in the selection, implementation and monitoring of one’s supports and services. 
• Applications for programs, capital projects and community planning initiatives related to the field of developmental disabilities will be given consideration.

We are willing and eager to partner with grantees, as appropriate, to achieve thes goals and maximize impact. Therefore the approval of a grant will be followed up with careful monitoring of the project as it unfolds. The devil is in the details, and to give responsibly means remaining involved as the project proceeds. While we rely on competent agency staff, outside consultants, and expert advisors to help us make reasoned decisions on funding and monitor the implementation of funded projects, we believe that the Foundation’s involvement in the details of a project is important to the beneficiary and the community we serve.