Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Boston Foundation's Safety Net Grants program provides $50,000 in general operating support over two years to social service organizations serving marginalized communities in Greater Boston. Focused on essential needs like food security, housing assistance, and mental health support, these grants aim to empower nonprofits addressing critical needs. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission to promote equity and opportunity.

Town of Gilbert

The Town of Gilbert is a high performing service organization, employing over 1,200 people who provide roughly 250 lines of service to the community. Our mission is to Anticipate. Create. Help People. We're working to become the City of the Future and keep the thriving community that Gilbert is today well into the future. We are proud of our culture, which reflects our shared values, beliefs and practices. It's our behavioral compass, and who we aspire to be.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Town of Gilbert is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services NOFO. This federal funding opportunity supports nonprofit and public service agencies that deliver essential services—such as homeless assistance and administrative support at the Heritage Center—to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Public Services — Homeless Services

Purpose

The Town of Gilbert is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide an Outreach Navigator for the Gilbert Homeless Services Program. The selected organization will be responsible for providing resources for emergency shelter, case management, outreach, connection to resources, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness within Gilbert.

Navigation services will be available Monday through Friday through street outreach and in-office assessments. The selected organization will utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track client data and program outcomes.

The Gilbert program operates in collaboration with AZEND’s I-HELP program, which provides shelter 365 days per year.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, focusing on areas such as medical care, assistance for the disabled, and wildlife preservation. Established by June Outhwaite, the foundation prioritizes projects benefiting Southern Santa Barbara County. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust aims to strengthen the community by funding diverse initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council provides grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 for arts projects benefiting communities in northwestern Minnesota. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental entities, supporting initiatives like public art, theatrical productions, and community workshops. A minimum cash match of 10% is required, increasing to 25% for certain projects. This funding aims to enhance cultural engagement and artistic development across seven counties in the region.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The AAF Discretionary Grant, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, aims to enrich lives by supporting nonprofit organizations since 1957. Grants are awarded 3-4 times a year, focusing on strategic areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The Foundation encourages potential applicants to consult with their Grants Program Officer before submitting proposals.

Impact100 Philadelphia provides impactful grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area. With a focus on addressing unmet needs, the program encourages applications from diverse organizations that demonstrate financial stability and community impact. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving specific Pennsylvania counties, with at least three years of financial statements. The program prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, family, and health sectors, enabling organizations to strengthen their core missions.

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA

About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF)

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  

This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
• Informed and Engaged Public  

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:   

Funding is available for:   

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.  
• Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
• Public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship.  
• Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
• Planning and design that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
• Community-based science projects.  
• Data management and integration projects.   
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

The HDR Foundation: Canada Grant Cycle offers support to qualified organizations in education, health, and environmental stewardship. Founded in 2012, this employee-driven foundation has contributed over $6 million to more than 250 organizations. Grants prioritize projects with direct community impact and employee involvement. Eligible applicants include registered charities and municipalities. However, funding is not available for individual scholarships or operational support. The establishment of the HDR Canada Fund in 2020 enhances philanthropic outreach across Canada.

The Keepers Preservation Education Award Scholarship, offered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports aspiring and established preservation professionals in the U.S. This program provides financial assistance for tuition, travel, and resources related to historic preservation studies. Eligible candidates include students and professionals in fields like architecture, history, and law. Note that applications will not be accepted in 2025, but interested individuals should check back in 2026 for updates.

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester offers grants over $1000 to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Rochester area. With over 35 years of experience, the Foundation funds various initiatives including social services, health, education, and the arts. It aims to connect donors with meaningful causes and enhance community quality of life. Grant applications are open to tax-exempt organizations, while political campaigns are excluded from funding consideration.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation offers CRCF General Grants aimed at enhancing community welfare through flexible funding for emerging needs and one-time costs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southern Chautauqua County, with a focus on mission alignment and broad impact. This bi-monthly grant process facilitates support for program enhancements, capital improvements, and technology upgrades, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.

ServeNebraska 

ServeNebraska is the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission. We coordinate community involvement by fellow Nebraskans to address the needs of our communities, and support community members in their volunteer efforts. ServeNebraska coordinates AmeriCorps programming, celebrates volunteer achievements through annual awards, and provides training and technical assistance for AmeriCorps programming.

Mission

Mobilizing Nebraskans to strengthen their communities through volunteering, collaboration, and national service programs.

Our Values

Underlying organizational values define the attitude of ServeNebraska in implementing its mission and serving our state.  Our core values in guiding us include:

• Communication - Build and maintain relationships.
• Integrity - Do the right thing, practice good stewardship and model and require compliance.
• Inclusion - Reach out, invite and collaborate across the state.
• Excellence - Embrace high standards, appropriate action and results.

AmeriCorps Competitive Grant

The AmeriCorps Notice of Funding seeks to award AmeriCorps grants to eligible community organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities (e.g., based on the proposed program’s performance and evaluation data or research demonstrating the effectiveness of similar intervention) to address state and local community problems.

The Community West Foundation provides essential grants to nonprofit organizations in Cleveland, Western Cuyahoga, and Lorain Counties. Their mission centers on advancing community health and well-being, supporting agencies that address homelessness, food insecurity, and health services. They encourage applications aligned with their quarterly focus areas, ensuring that funds enhance dignity and support for vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate alignment with the foundation's values.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester offers general grants under $1000 to support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Rochester area. These grants aim to enhance quality of life by funding diverse projects in social services, education, health, arts, and more. The Foundation's 35 years of experience in philanthropy ensures a thorough assessment of community needs, allowing it to effectively link donors with impactful causes, ultimately fostering sustainable improvements in the community.

ECF of Boeing Washington: Puget Sound

The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound (ECF) is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

1. Supporting Grants: Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure

2. Capital Campaign Grants: Capital Campaign grants are targeted to nonprofit organizations who strive to significantly expand the numbers of people they serve.

Grant Amount: Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Grant Program (ARC) supports economic development in West Virginia by providing federal grants for community-based projects. Prioritizing infrastructure improvements, particularly in distressed counties, ARC funds projects related to water, sewer, broadband, and job training. Applicants can request varying amounts based on the project's nature and location, with a focus on matching funds. This initiative fosters sustainable growth and revitalization in the region's economy.

The Tele-Behavioral Health Grant in Wisconsin aims to enhance access to tele-behavioral health services by reducing technological and geographical barriers. It seeks to support underserved populations, ensuring they receive necessary mental health care. By partnering with non-traditional sites, such as schools and community centers, the grant facilitates innovative access hubs. Funding will assist providers in acquiring technology and improving internet services, ultimately fostering continuity of care for individuals who face challenges accessing traditional behavioral health resources.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program: Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative

Program Overview

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was authorized by Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025. The RHT Program is a $50 billion federal initiative planned to establish funding to strengthen rural hospitals and modernize the healthcare ecosystem for all 50 states. The RHT Program is designed to transform the rural healthcare ecosystem along five strategic axes: supporting rural health innovations, improving provider sustainability, developing the local healthcare workforce, expanding care delivery models, and testing technology-based solutions.

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP) is Alabama’s broader statewide framework for advancing the goals of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program through coordinated, statedesigned strategies, initiatives, and investments intended to improve rural healthcare access, strengthen quality and delivery systems, support innovation, and promote long-term sustainability and accountability in rural communities. ARHTP is focused on transformational, practical approaches that strengthen provider networks, improve access to appropriate services closer to home, and support more resilient models of rural healthcare delivery across Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), on behalf of the ARHTP, invites eligible applicants to apply for funding under the Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in rural Alabama by addressing gaps in access to care and strengthening the capacity of healthcare systems to provide maternal and fetal health services. This includes connecting rural healthcare facilities to regional maternal and fetal referral hubs and expanding access to specialized imaging services and telerobotic ultrasound devices necessary to ensure healthcare facilities have the capacity, connectivity, and resources required to provide appropriate maternal and fetal care services. This NOFO establishes the application requirements, review framework, and award parameters for competitive funding designed to accomplish the purpose of the initiative as set forth above.

The Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative is intended to support practical, scalable strategies that strengthen maternal healthcare delivery systems across rural Alabama. Consistent with the State’s ARHTP framework, this initiative supports projects involving the establishment and enhancement of regional maternal and fetal referral hubs, the acquisition and deployment of telerobotic ultrasound equipment, and equipment upgrades and minor building renovations or alterations necessary to provide appropriate services under the defined strategy categories described below.

Projects funded under this NOFO must serve rural Alabama, align with at least one of the defined Maternal and Fetal Health Initiative strategy categories listed below, and clearly demonstrate how the proposed project advances one or more of the initiative goals identified in this section. Applicants do not need to be physically located in a rural area to apply; however, each proposal must clearly demonstrate that the project is specifically designed to provide a direct benefit to rural Alabama communities, expectant mothers, infants, healthcare providers, or facilities participating in regional referral networks.

The Chuckanut Health Foundation offers Community Grants to support critical health programs and infrastructure, with awards ranging from $2,600 to $26,000 annually. Established in 1983, the foundation focuses on fostering a healthy community by addressing health needs across six areas, including early childhood and health care access. Emphasizing community-led initiatives, these grants aim to empower local organizations to enhance the well-being of residents. Over $18 million has been awarded to over 280 non-profits since inception.