Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund, established in 2018, has invested over $2.9 million in health initiatives to enhance kidney health in the Greater Capital Region. This fund, managed by the Community Foundation, focuses on improving public health outcomes by supporting projects that promote healthy lifestyles, health equity, and access to preventive services, especially for vulnerable communities affected by chronic kidney disease.

ServeMinnesota provides annual grants to support nonprofits, local governments, institutes of higher education, and Indian Tribes in hosting AmeriCorps programs. Grantees must use research-based measures of program outcomes to generate valid and reliable data that are available to ServeMinnesota for evaluation and public reporting purposes.

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.

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that:

Serve Communities:

•  Serve communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, tribal communities, and historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. These may include people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with arrest or conviction records, religious minorities, etc.;
• Implement programs for or expand access to high-quality youth mental health and substance use recovery services and prepare AmeriCorps members to enter behavioral health careers. These may include individuals with lived experience with substance use and mental health challenges to support youth mental health efforts and continued AmeriCorps work on the opioid epidemic;
• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses, and their older children into national service;
• Promote environmental stewardship to help communities (especially underserved households and communities) to be more resilient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water, increasing renewable energy use and improving at-risk ecosystems;
• Support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members;

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Bogliasco Fellowships, awarded by the Bogliasco Foundation, provide a unique opportunity for individuals in the arts and humanities to develop significant new work in a serene Italian setting. Open to all ages and nationalities, these one-month Fellowships foster creativity and collaboration among exceptional artists and scholars. Candidates must demonstrate notable achievements in their fields and can apply multiple times, with previous recipients waiting five years before reapplying. A conversational level of English is required to thrive in this international community.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

James & Dolores Selan Memorial Scholarship

The James & Dolores Selan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to northern Chautauqua County students who are enrolled at Cornell University, Syracuse University, or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry to study Forestry, Ornithology, and other environmentally-focused disciplines.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Vermont. The fund prioritizes immigrant services, workforce development, and arts education. It is crucial for applicants to be aware that only organizations meeting specific eligibility criteria will be considered for funding. The application process is competitive, and transparency is emphasized, as fewer than 10% of introductory applications lead to grants. For more details, visit their official site.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offers The Anthony G. Coates 3-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship for researchers in various fields such as ecology and evolutionary biology. This fellowship, based at STRI facilities, encourages comparative research across tropical countries. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. before the fellowship begins. The annual stipend is $57,000, with additional research funds subject to availability. This opportunity supports innovative research aimed at understanding tropical ecosystems.

The TAC Rural Arts Project Support offers funding for diverse arts projects that enhance community engagement and vitality in rural Tennessee. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits and government entities. Projects can involve professional artists, workshops, public performances, and initiatives to improve accessibility for underserved populations. Ineligible uses of funding include K-12 education projects, insurance, and capital improvements. This grant fosters artistic collaboration and innovation in rural settings.

The Women’s Foundation of California Grant focuses on fostering a multiracial, feminist democracy by supporting grassroots organizations led by women of color and gender expansive individuals. This grant prioritizes initiatives that address racial, gender, economic, and environmental justice, promoting a healthier and more equitable California. Special consideration is given to organizations employing advocacy and narrative change strategies, particularly those serving rural areas with limited resources.

About the Living Well Foundation

The Living Well Foundation is a non-profit public charity that was established upon the sale of a local public hospital in 2006. Its goals are to enhance the quality of life and health of the citizens of Ouachita Parish and the 7 surrounding parishes and to assist in collaborative and innovative networking within the region. The Living Well Foundation supports several projects in the northeast Louisiana area that seek to improve the medical, dental, and behavioral health of the population, especially kids.

Specific initiatives include dental hygiene clinics with the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) Department of Dental Hygiene, suicide prevention/intervention, dementia/Alzheimers cognitive deficit disorders, and school-based health centers with local school boards and medical providers, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and others. Other projects that provide behavioral health support services on school campuses and in communities are supported with area non-profit agencies and clinical professionals.

Grant Information

Grants are typically awarded to non-profits whose projects address the following:

• Activities related to rendering care to the sick and injured or in the promotion of health;
• Activities designed and conducted to promote the general health of the community; and,
• Activities undertaken in cooperation with public or private institutions or agencies engaged in providing health services to residents of the District.

The Foundation favors making grants that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• The grant would help assure the continued existence or creation of accessible, affordable health care facilities or services in the District or the service area that are responsive to the needs of the community.
• The grant would support the provision of health care to the disadvantaged, the uninsured, and/or the underinsured.
• The grant would support the goal of improved health care or wellness to the service area.
• The project would include an education component within its goals for participant self-sufficiency or self-awareness over time.
• The project would have a plan of sustainability upon conclusion of Foundation funding.

Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. The Commission was enacted by Congress through the 2008 Farm Bill which amended 40 US Code to include the creation of the NBRC as well as other similar Commissions nationwide.

The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support. We envision a future where heritage industries are celebrated, preserved, and supported, vibrant local communities form a rich tapestry of culture, ideas, and experiences, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies fosters a new era of prosperity and economic resiliency.

Timber for Transit Program - Implementation Award

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure and commit to enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. Transportation Infrastructure shall mean construction, alteration, or repair of physical transport facilities, systems and structures, including fixed installations and rights of way necessary for transporting from one point to another, that: are open to the general public for use, facilitate reliable movement of people and goods, and influence local and regional economies.  

Construction or non-construction projects—such as assets and facilities that align with Timber for Transit program priorities will be classified as an implementation award. Implementation projects are eligible for up to $5,000,000.

Department of Health and Human Services 

The Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health and human related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.

Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant is the sole source of federal funding for North Carolina’s Community Action Agencies that provide a wide range of services and programs to assist needy families with children. CSBG funding supports projects that:  

• Decrease poverty in communities.
• Address the needs of low-income individuals, including the homeless, migrants and the elderly.
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health.

The CSBG State Plan is required for North Carolina to receive CSBG block grant funds, and it describes major program provisions, eligible entities, training and technical assistance, and program benefits.

The Capacity-Building Mini-Grant Opportunity, offered by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation, focuses on enhancing organizational skills and effectiveness in health services. Grants up to $5,000 are available for discreet projects that align with their funding areas, including healthcare access and suicide prevention. This initiative aims to strengthen local organizations in El Paso and Teller Counties, promoting healthier communities through improved capacity and skill-building efforts.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation is dedicated to strengthening Windward O‘ahu communities by investing in their rich cultural heritage, youth, and natural resources. The foundation aims to enhance educational outcomes for local youth, ensuring they graduate high school with essential skills and support their future success in STEM fields. By fostering collaboration and innovation among organizations, the foundation seeks to build sustainable capacity within the region, ultimately contributing to the vitality and resilience of its communities.

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 educational opportunities, and environmental education. Grants over $15,000 are available for multi-year projects aimed at enhancing the lives of disadvantaged youth. Eligible nonprofits must have filed at least two consecutive Form 990s and cannot be public or charter schools. Contact the foundation for guidance before submitting a request.

The Conscious Kids Grant, established by Marlee-Jo Jacobson, aims to support at-risk children and families in underserved communities. With an average grant size of $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation prioritizes educational support and life enhancement services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve specific counties in New York and New Jersey. The grant focuses on assisting homeless youth, children in foster care, and those with disabilities, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

New Seasons Market offers donation requests to 501c3 nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity through equitable systems and immediate relief. Please allow 4 weeks for processing, as only approved requests will receive responses. Donations are typically provided in the form of gift cards to support community efforts. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with partners focused on policy advocacy and the underlying causes of hunger.

The Coastal Program's Capacity Grants for Technology Upgrades support local and Tribal governments in Minnesota to enhance coastal management through technology. Grants up to $4,500 can be used for equipment, software, and training aimed at improving water quality, habitat restoration, and community resilience. Eligible applicants must match 10% of the funds. Priority will be given to rural or Tribal communities with limited funding, ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable coastal development.

The Community Grants Program: East Hawaii Fund supports nonprofit organizations working to enhance the well-being of East Hawai‘i communities. It prioritizes projects that address educational opportunities, strengthen intergenerational relationships, promote economic sufficiency, and improve social conditions. Grants typically last one year, up to $10,000, and encourage collaborative efforts among various community sectors. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community groups, and school projects that align with the fund's priorities.

The Dr. Harry J. Heeb Foundation Grant supports underprivileged and abused children, providing medical attention for related disabilities in the fields of eye, ear, nose, and throat health. It also funds education and training for healthcare providers and nurses. Operating primarily in Florida and Wisconsin, the foundation seeks to improve the lives of those in need through both direct support and research. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $20,000.

The Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust Grants support projects that enhance and conserve wildlife habitats and natural resource values across Wyoming. Established in 2005, this initiative provides funding to non-profit and governmental organizations for various projects aimed at improving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Eligible projects include habitat improvement, open space preservation, and water enhancement. The Trust's mission is to maintain Wyoming's rich natural heritage while ensuring public benefits through sustainable practices.

The Turrell Fund Grant focuses on supporting organizations that serve children and families, particularly in Vermont and New Jersey. Emphasizing early childhood development, K-12 education, and access to arts and social services, the fund aims to address systemic barriers and promote equity. Priority is given to initiatives that foster systemic change and advocate for policy improvements, ensuring every child has access to quality education and resources necessary for a strong start in life.

The Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Donation Request aims to support local non-profits that enhance community well-being through initiatives focused on health, education, and economic revitalization. The foundation encourages applications for event sponsorships and charitable projects that align with their mission of fostering vibrant neighborhoods and providing essential services. Interested organizations should submit requests at least six weeks before their events for timely consideration.