Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

IDNR Mission Statement

To manage, conserve and protect Illinois' natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations.

Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program 23-DG-11094200-327

Description 

To plan for, establish, manage and protect trees, forests, green spaces and related natural resources in and adjacent to cities and towns. The urban and community forestry program provides ecosystem services, social and economic benefits. It links these benefits to governmental, private and grassroots organizations and resources to improve the quality of life in these cities and towns.

Matching Requirement: Yes

The Duke Energy Foundation's Nonprofit Capacity Building program aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of North Carolina nonprofit organizations. With annual grants exceeding $30 million, the foundation supports agencies addressing essential services like housing stability and food security. Grants, ranging from $10,000 to under $25,000, target organizations that foster community resilience and opportunity. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate measurable community impact.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

Liberty Bank Foundation

Established in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation extends Liberty Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we’ve proudly served for over 200 years.

Grants

We support 501(c)(3) organizations whose work aligns with our funding priorities and creates meaningful local impact. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.

Our Focus Areas and Intended Impact

Our grantmaking is rooted in Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come. Through the Foundation, we invest in nonprofit partners working to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for the people and places we serve.

Our funding priorities focus on areas where community investment can create lasting, measurable impact:

• Education, Workforce Readiness, and Support for Small Business: Supporting programs that help students and adults build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future success.
• Affordable Housing: Supporting efforts that increase housing stability and help individuals and families access safe, affordable places to live.
• Food Security: We offer a limited number of grants to support the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in communities where we operate. Our primary means for addressing food security is through our Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive. 

Across these focus areas, we look for clear community need, strong nonprofit partners, practical plans, and outcomes that help individuals and families become stronger, more stable, and better positioned for the future.

Local Impact Grants

Local Impact Grants offer smaller grants for short-term projects that can move quickly and make a clear community impact. These grants are designed to be simple, accessible, and responsive to nonprofit partners whose work aligns with our Foundation’s funding priorities.

This grant is the best fit for short-term, clearly defined projects or programs with a practical plan and clear community benefit. Projects should generally be completed within 6–9 months.

Requests greater than $5,000 but less than $10,000 should be submitted through the Local Impact Grants application; awards generally will not exceed $5,000. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 should understand that the Foundation may award partial funding.

Liberty Bank Foundation

Established in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation extends Liberty Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we’ve proudly served for over 200 years.

Grants

We support 501(c)(3) organizations whose work aligns with our funding priorities and creates meaningful local impact. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.

Our Focus Areas and Intended Impact

Our grantmaking is rooted in Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come. Through the Foundation, we invest in nonprofit partners working to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for the people and places we serve.

Our funding priorities focus on areas where community investment can create lasting, measurable impact:

• Education, Workforce Readiness, and Support for Small Business: Supporting programs that help students and adults build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future success.
• Affordable Housing: Supporting efforts that increase housing stability and help individuals and families access safe, affordable places to live.
• Food Security: We offer a limited number of grants to support the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in communities where we operate. Our primary means for addressing food security is through our Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive. 

Across these focus areas, we look for clear community need, strong nonprofit partners, practical plans, and outcomes that help individuals and families become stronger, more stable, and better positioned for the future.

Strategic Impact Grants

Nonprofits interested in Strategic Impact Grants should begin by completing a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI should provide a brief overview of the organization, the proposed project or initiative, the community need addressed, expected outcomes, alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities, and the amount of funding requested.

The ME Agricultural Management Assistance program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through diversified practices and conservation efforts. Participants can receive up to 75% funding for conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 annually. Eligibility requires active engagement in agriculture and control of the land. This initiative particularly benefits historically underserved producers by offering higher cost-share options.

The Community Conservation Program, funded by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, supports conservation initiatives in specific Virginia counties and cities. Focused on water quality protection, land conservation, and environmental literacy, the program encourages proposals that demonstrate measurable results, with funding starting at $50,000. Organizations are advised to seek informal reviews of their proposals before submission. VEE favors projects that leverage matching funds, thereby enhancing community engagement and environmental sustainability.

Technical Assistance for Federal Cost-Sharing Program

The Technical Assistance for Federal Cost-Sharing Program (TAFC) helps Colorado water users secure and use federal money for water projects. The TAFC Program's main purpose is to provide technical and administrative support to organizations applying for federal funding. This program is especially helpful for water users who struggle to access federal funds due to limited staff or technical resources.

The TAFC Program offers grants directly to water users. These grants can be used to hire consultants or get other necessary resources to create strong applications for federal funding. All projects funded by TAFC must align with the Colorado Water Plan and can include projects involving aging infrastructure. TAFC grants cannot be used for treated water projects or wastewater projects.

The CWCB has $500,000 available for projects across Colorado. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Grant funding can be used for tasks such as:

• Preliminary project planning, design, and engineering
• Preliminary permitting
• Developing estimated project costs
• Understanding available federal funding opportunities
• Grant writing
• Submitting federal grant applications

Project development: This includes site assessments, data collection for project design, working with other interested parties, permitting, design help, cost estimates, securing matching funds, and other technical work needed for a federal funding application.

Grant writing: This covers researching federal grant opportunities, contacting funding programs before applying, reviewing federal rules and application requirements, and creating the application and required documents like support letters.

The NH Agricultural Management Assistance Grant provides essential financial support to agricultural producers in New Hampshire, enabling them to mitigate financial risks through diversification and conservation practices. The program assists with up to 75% of the costs for installing conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 in payments per participant per fiscal year. Eligible participants must be engaged in agricultural production and comply with specific regulations regarding land use and income.

The RBHA Regions Rural Behavioral Health Access program aims to enhance mental health services in Stark and Marshall counties. It focuses on crisis intervention, case management, and community outreach, employing two full-time mental health professionals. The program also provides training for educators and first responders to better identify mental health needs, while promoting awareness through community events. This initiative addresses systemic inequities, fostering inclusivity and diversity in service provision.

The IDEA+ Research Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students conducting research that enhances diversity in large lake science and management. Each year, up to two scholarships of $3,000 are awarded, alongside free conference registration and IAGLR membership. Eligibility includes not having received the award previously and not being a current board member or family of a board member. Preference is given to applicants from historically marginalized communities.

The Transportation Alternatives Program, administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation, aims to enhance Arkansas' transportation infrastructure by funding local projects. This initiative supports the construction and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreational trails, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life. With an 80% federal share for projects, the program prioritizes new trail construction and major maintenance efforts, ensuring sustainable and accessible transportation options for future generations.

The Leonard Rice Memorial Scholarship, administered by the ACEC Colorado Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing engineering degrees in Colorado. With a generous $7,500 award, it aims to assist those specializing in engineering geology, water engineering, or natural resource engineering. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in ABET-accredited programs. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also enhances awareness of consulting engineering as a viable career path, contributing to the future of engineering in the state.

Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources manages all state-owned land, water and natural resources, except for fish and game, on behalf of the people of Alaska. When all land conveyances from the federal government are completed, the people of the state will own land and resources on 104 million acres: Approximately 100 million acres have been conveyed so far. The state owns approximately 60 million acres of tidelands, shorelands, and submerged lands and manages 40,000 miles of coastline. The state also owns the freshwater resources of the state, a resource that equals about 40% of the entire nation's fresh water flow.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Grant

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, Community Forestry Program (CFP), have Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant monies available to local governments, state agencies, tribal organizations, non-profits, public universities, and other non-federal entities for projects in Alaska communities.

Funding is available for: Green Infrastructure Projects; Phytoremediation Projects; Invasive Tree Control Project; and other projects.

Invasive Tree Control Grant Round III

Monies are available to control invasive , commonly known as European bird cherry, chokecherry or mayday trees and , commonly known as Canada red and chokecherry trees. These are 100% reimbursable grants and will be awarded on a competitive basis. No match funding is required. Grants will be awarded for up to 2 years.

The Allan C. and Lelia J. Garden Foundation Grant aims to support organizations that care for orphaned or underprivileged children, providing essential medical and educational services. Grants typically last for one year, but multi-year support may be considered. Eligible applicants must serve areas in Georgia, specifically avoiding Ben Hill, Irwin, and Wilcox Counties. This foundation plays a crucial role in improving the lives of vulnerable children through targeted assistance.

The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation supports qualified non-profit organizations in 50 counties of south and central Texas. Grants are focused on arts, culture, education, literacy, and medical/scientific purposes. Non-profits are encouraged to apply and share this opportunity with others. The Foundation does not fund capital campaigns, scholarships, or Type II/III Supporting Organizations. For detailed guidelines, visit the Foundation's FAQ page.

The Blue Impact Grant by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois supports community-based non-profit organizations focused on improving health equity in Illinois. This grant program emphasizes addressing social determinants of health, including economic opportunity, food access, and health outcomes. Eligible organizations must align with BCBSIL's mission and serve Illinois residents. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt entities under section 501(c)(3), with a commitment to fostering sustainable community solutions.

Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund

2026-2027 Request for Proposals

Recognizing the need for a coordinated, public-private approach to addressing the stormwater, habitat, and public-use issues in the Southeast Michigan region, seven corporate, foundation and government funders have joined together to create the Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund (Fund). The Fund will award grants to help increase the resilience of communities and natural resources in Southeast Michigan by reducing the impact of stormwater, improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and increasing the usability of public space and natural areas. Grants will be awarded in three categories: 1) expanding nature-based solutions and access to nature, 2) improving habitat quality and connectivity, 3) activating restored habitats and natural areas.

Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a public-private partnership among the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Forest Service. 

The Fund was created to provide financial resources that benefit Southeast Michigan communities and wildlife habitats by supporting voluntary conservation investments. By investing in nature-based stormwater solutions, the Fund seeks to reduce flooding while also creating safe, dynamic, and enjoyable public natural spaces that improve habitat values for wildlife and quality of life for residents. By restoring the region’s unique natural areas, the Fund seeks to enhance the quality and connectivity of habitat for wildlife, improve the ability of these habitats to withstand and absorb the impact of environmental stressors, and make nature more accessible for everyone.  

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

CDBG Planning Grants

Approximately $60,522 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Planning Grants Program. All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program.

The Planning Grants Program allows communities to seek funding for three types of planning tools: Capital Improvement Plans, Asset Management Plans, and Historic District Surveys. Each plan can help communities understand their needs and create long-term strategies for protecting public health, strengthening economies, and sustaining critical infrastructure. These plans allow communities to best steward public, cultural, and historical resources and become more resilient and fiscally stable for generations to come.

Applicants must demonstrate at the time of application that they have, at minimum, a dollar-for-dollar match to the requested award amount.

The Planning Grant Program will not have a HUD National Objective; however, plans developed with CDBG funds must state how they will develop future CDBG projects.  

CFR 200 Audit Requirements

CDBG contracts may be subject to audit. Federal Code (2 CFR 200) requires that recipients that expend $750,000 or more in federal funds within a fiscal year must have a single or program specific audit. When budgeting for CDBG funds, applicants should be aware of these audit requirements:

• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from more than one source of federal funding, an organization-wide audit must be conducted in accordance with federal requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.514
• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from a single source, a project audit, targeting only transactions dealing specifically with the project, may be performed in lieu of an organization-wide audit.

Communities should consult with their accountants regarding the applicability of an audit and audit requirements.

Audit costs are a CDBG-eligible expense. Organization-wide audits can be paid with CDBG funds proportional to the amount of all other funds included in the audit. The total cost of a project audit can be paid with CDBG funds.

The Land, Health, Community Grant Program, formerly known as Aspiramos Juntos, focuses on fostering holistically healthy communities in the Chicago region. Funded by the Lumpkin Family Foundation, this grant supports projects that promote physical activity, access to healthy food, and mental wellness for youth. Priority is given to grassroots organizations with budgets under $500,000 that are deeply connected to their communities. Special funding opportunities include grants for community gardens and inspiring collaborative projects up to $10,000.

The WY Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability and conservation values by restricting nonagricultural land use. It offers two main components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect croplands and grasslands, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to restore and enhance degraded wetlands. Additionally, the program includes the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to collaborate with partners for high-priority wetland protection and wildlife habitat improvement.

The WI Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports sustainable agricultural practices by protecting eligible lands from nonagricultural use. It focuses on preserving grazing lands and restoring wetlands, ensuring agricultural viability and conserving natural resources. ACEP features two main components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), which aid landowners in safeguarding productive lands and enhancing wildlife habitats. This program encourages year-round applications, fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

The IDEA+ Presenter Scholarship aims to enhance participation at the IAGLR annual conference by supporting presenters from historically marginalized communities. This scholarship awards up to two individuals with $2,000 each and includes free conference registration and an IAGLR membership. It seeks to enrich the diversity of perspectives in large lake science and related fields. Eligible applicants are those who have not previously received the award and are not related to current board members.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on conserving agricultural viability through Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). By limiting non-agricultural uses, the program enhances wetlands and grazing lands, providing vital habitat restoration. NRCS supports landowners with technical and financial assistance to restore and protect wetlands. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring ongoing opportunities for eligible participants to engage in conservation efforts and preserve ecological integrity in West Virginia.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural land use. It offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to protect and enhance the conservation values of working farms and wetlands. Through financial assistance, NRCS supports eligible partners in maintaining land for agriculture and restoring degraded wetlands. This program is crucial for preserving West Virginia's agricultural landscape and promoting sustainable land management practices.

The DE Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Delaware, offers financial assistance to agricultural producers to mitigate risks through conservation practices. It supports initiatives like soil erosion control and water quality improvement, providing up to 75% cost share, with a maximum of $50,000 per fiscal year. Producers engaged in livestock or agricultural production and compliant with relevant regulations are eligible to apply.