Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The Hypertherm HOPE Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with a mission to create sustainable, positive change in communities. Established in 2010, the foundation prioritizes projects in areas like disaster relief, education, and health. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation's values of respect and inclusivity. Grant decisions are made by HOPE teams composed of Hypertherm Associates across various regions, ensuring local needs are met effectively.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Minnesota State Arts Board offers the Arts Experiences Grant to support individuals and organizations in creating impactful arts programming for the community. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with no cash match required. Eligible applicants include artists and arts organizations committed to enhancing public engagement in the arts. This pilot initiative aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Minnesota by providing diverse artistic opportunities that resonate with the community's values and experiences.

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program

Overview

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federal program that provides funding for housing and community development activities. Congress created the program when it passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

The program, which is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), consists of two components:

FloridaCommerce administers the State Program in Florida through the Small Cities CDBG Program. This is a competitive grant program that awards funds to units of local government in small urban and rural areas. FloridaCommerce receives between 18 and 26 million dollars annually from HUD to award subgrants to eligible units of local government.

The program provides an excellent opportunity for communities to obtain funds for projects that they cannot otherwise afford. CDBG funds can also provide administrative support for local governments that may not have the staffing resources necessary to administer their projects. Examples of CDBG-funded projects include:

• Water and Sewer Improvements,
• Rehabilitation of Substandard Housing,
• Street and Sidewalk Improvements,
• Economic Development Activities that Create Jobs for Low-and Moderate-Income People,
• Downtown Revitalization, including Facade Improvements, Streetscaping, and Underground Utilities,
• Park Facilities and Community Centers, and
• Drainage / Stormwater Improvements.

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application Cycle

Funding is available for the Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, and Commercial Revitalization program areas. Non-entitlement units of local government are eligible to apply for funding in any of the three program areas if they have an open CDBG subgrant in one of the three areas.

FloridaCommerce also has funding available in the Economic Development program area for job creation and/or retention activities. Non-entitlement units of local government that have an open Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Revitalization, or Economic Development subgrant are eligible to apply for Economic Development funding.

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

The GMF: Cycle 3 - General Operating grant by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports community projects aligned with their strategic vision for an inclusive Milwaukee. This grant prioritizes arts education, healthcare equity, and early childhood education initiatives, focusing on racial equity and community engagement. Organizations that demonstrate diversity in leadership and serve Milwaukee and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply for funding up to $50,000 per year for three years to foster impactful community change.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 3 - Project Support offers grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, targeting projects that promote arts, culture, and racial equity. This funding supports nonprofits that enhance community engagement, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, and focuses on improving health outcomes, fostering intergenerational support, and enhancing early childhood education. Organizations must have diverse boards and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity to be eligible.

The Rees-Jones Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in North Texas through thoughtful philanthropy. With a mission grounded in the love of Christ, the foundation supports non-profits in various sectors including animal welfare, child welfare, and community benefit. It particularly focuses on initiatives that foster community transformation and is open to grant applications year-round, encouraging early submissions to ensure timely funding.

The GMF: Cycle 3 - Capital Support program from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation aims to fund projects that align with strategic priorities for community betterment. This cycle emphasizes racial equity, arts education, and environmental sustainability, supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes for older adults and underfunded communities. Organizations can request up to $50,000 annually for three years, focusing on diverse representation and community engagement to foster inclusive growth.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

The W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.

Speedway Children's Charities, a private organization, is committed to improving the lives of children in need across Georgia. In 2024, they allocated $100,000 through the SCC Atlanta Grant Program to support local nonprofit organizations addressing critical issues such as homelessness, foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. Their mission emphasizes action and compassion, ensuring every child has access to essential resources for a brighter future.

The Lawson’s Finest Taproom was designed as a community gathering space to enjoy the best of local beer, food, people and music. In lieu of tips in our Taproom, we invite our guests to donate to the Sunshine Fund to benefit local nonprofits. Our staff receive generous wages and total compensation packages that don’t require tips to supplement their income, making hospitality included in your guest experience. The Sunshine Fund allows us to harness the generosity of guest donations with the goal of advancing thriving local communities.

The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program to assist local organizations that support the people and environment of the Mad River Valley, Washington County and the state of Vermont.

The Sunshine Awards prioritize funding for nonprofit organizations located in the Mad River Valley, Washington County, and across Vermont that focus on strengthening healthy communities, improving food and economic security, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable recreation. 

Greene County Community Foundation

The Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) was established on January 31, 2005 to serve and enhance the quality of life in Greene County.

The mission of the Greene County Community Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the overall well-being of the county’s residents. The Foundation works to build its endowment fund which in turn provides grants to accomplish its goals. 

Greene County Community Foundation Grant

If you can help us with these goals, we encourage you to submit a grant application that does one of the following:

• Supports strong, stable families and provides solid beginnings for children and youth.
• Serves as a catalyst for youth and recreational activities.
• Helps to promote elder care, support services and an active senior population.
• Promotes the health, education and vitality of the community.
• Addresses community needs for police, fire and emergency services.
• Assists in developing quality jobs, tourism and economic development.
• Helps make our community more attractive, livable and cohesive.

Grant awards are generally made once per year in April. Representatives will be encouraged to attend the Greene County Community Foundation Awards Night and must acknowledge the Foundation in project publicity & marketing related to the project for which they receive funds.

Grant recipients are required to complete a Project Completion Form by January 31st of the year following the year of the award. If they fail to do this, the recipients will not be eligible to receive additional grants from the Foundation.

Community Grants Program

Investing In Our Local Communities

This strategic community outreach initiative focuses on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and strengthen our region’s prosperity.

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program serves as part of our strategic community outreach initiatives focused on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and region. Since the program’s inception in 2020, Port Houston has proudly invested more than $2.65 million dollars into local community programs and projects.

Grant Specifics & Focus Initiatives

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program offers the opportunity for qualifying organizations to apply for funding through an open, competitive application process.

Port Houston is particularly interested in supporting programs or services that align with our current outreach priorities.

These priorities include:

• Revitalizing Communities, Parks, and Greenspaces with a focus on communities that are within three miles of the Ship Channel

• Programs focused on maritime and logistics-related fields, with key focus areas related to the trucking industry and maritime operations.
• Programs focused on STEAM education and/or environmental sciences
• Programs that support career and professional development services

• Educational programs and projects aimed at improving our waterways (bayous & bays).
• Pollution reduction and related education
• Health equity and health disparities

Within these areas, we are particularly interested in funding programs that:

• Scale best practices and proven ideas or pilot promising, evidence-based programs
• Utilize sound evaluation techniques to measure both outcomes and impact
• Demonstrate a commitment to innovation, learning, and adaptation
• Are completed in partnership, cooperation, and consultation with other agencies
• Offer an innovative and promising approach to meeting a community need

Propose a project or program that falls within Port Houston’s priority zone – proximity to the Houston Ship Channel – permitting Grants Program support to positively impact areas within Port Houston’s stakeholder footprint.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Basic Needs Fund provides vital support for organizations addressing essential services like food, temporary housing, transportation, and safety. This multi-year, general operating grant program emphasizes strengthening community health by funding nonprofits committed to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations are encouraged to participate in a pre-application Zoom call to discuss their funding requests and organizational details.

The Montana Coal Endowment Program offers emergency grants to address critical infrastructure needs, supporting projects like drinking water and wastewater systems. With $100,000 allocated per biennium, these grants are available year-round, provided they address unforeseen emergencies that threaten public health or safety. Projects must be essential and cannot be for preventive maintenance. Typically, grants are capped at $30,000, ensuring timely resolutions to urgent infrastructure challenges.

Impact 100 Baldwin County empowers women to transform lives through high-impact grants. Focused on Arts, Education, Environment, Family, and Health, the organization pools $1,000 donations from members to fund nonprofit initiatives that serve Baldwin County. Each year, they aim to reach 500 members, enabling a $100,000 grant for impactful community projects. Nonprofits, regardless of location, can apply if their projects benefit Baldwin County residents.

The Impact100 Mobile Grant aims to empower women as philanthropists by providing substantial funding to nonprofit organizations in Mobile County. With a minimum grant of $100,000, the program focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. This initiative encourages nonprofits to submit innovative proposals that enhance community welfare while ensuring that projects primarily benefit Mobile residents.

The Micron Foundation focuses on enhancing quality of life by supporting communities and promoting STEM education. With a commitment to equitable opportunities, it aims to uplift underrepresented groups and foster lasting social impact. Their initiatives empower team members to engage in community service and philanthropy, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education regardless of background. This dedication to community enrichment positions Micron as a catalyst for positive change.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 aimed at promoting vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion. These grants are available year-round and support workforce development, community revitalization, and environmental projects. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities in Florida counties served by Duke Energy, while ensuring non-discrimination and measurable community impact.

The Reliant Foundation Community Grants support charitable initiatives from 501(c)3 non-profits in Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. Priority is given to programs addressing substance use disorders and mental health services for youth. Collaborations aligned with Community Health Improvement Plans are encouraged. Grants are not available for individuals, for-profit businesses, or funding specific salaries. This initiative aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of all community members.

The Hall Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Kansas City by funding initiatives that elevate community spirit, promote equity, and create strong educational foundations. Prioritizing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, the foundation supports projects that foster inclusivity and holistic approaches to poverty reduction. With a commitment to innovative and collaborative efforts, the foundation aims to ensure that all community members can realize their potential and thrive.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 to support initiatives in vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and equity. These grants aim to enhance community well-being through workforce development, environmental projects, and inclusive programs. Open year-round, the grants prioritize organizations serving Ohio counties where Duke Energy operates, fostering sustainable growth and opportunity for underrepresented populations.

The Hypertherm Good Neighbor Grant, offered by the HOPE Foundation, provides financial support of up to $500 to non-profit organizations. Founded in 2010, the Foundation aims to foster collaboration and sustainable change within communities. Grant allocations are made quarterly by a team of volunteer Associates, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission of respect and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or educational entities focused on health, education, and environmental initiatives in specific geographic areas.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 aimed at supporting vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Duke Energy communities, focusing on workforce development, environmental projects, and initiatives promoting access to opportunities for underserved populations. The grants are open year-round, encouraging impactful projects that foster community improvement and sustainability.