Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Community Development Block Grant Public Infrastructure Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for the Public Infrastructure Grant opportunity funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Program Description

The purpose of grants relative to the Public Infrastructure (PI) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to fund water and sanitary systems and storm sewer construction projects that alleviate public health, safety, and public welfare and help communities with substantial low to moderate-income populations. Project areas must be primarily residential1 in character. Projects that are designed to benefit a commercial/business area are not eligible.

All grant funded projects must meet the following requirements:

• Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) Benefit Requirements: Projects must benefit at least 51.0 percent low-to-moderate income persons. Those projects benefiting less than 51.0 percent LMI persons will not be considered for funding. 
• Documentation of Threat to Health and Safety: Projects must address present conditions that affect public health and safety.
• Water and Sewer Rates: Water or sewer rates must currently meet or exceed 1 percent of the Median Household Income (MHI) per 5,000 gallons. This requirement does not apply to storm sewer or drainage projects. 

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant is inviting proposals for innovative two-year research projects aimed at addressing coastal issues in Massachusetts. With a focus on healthy ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and environmental literacy, the program seeks to enhance the conservation and practical use of marine resources. Approximately $1 million is available for funding, requiring a match of non-federal funds. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the application of research results beyond academia.

The Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant aims to enhance healthcare access in rural Iowa by recruiting qualified healthcare providers. This initiative, aligned with Iowa's Healthy Hometowns program, seeks to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes through competitive incentives for providers. By fostering partnerships and investing in technology, the program focuses on creating sustainable care models that ensure quality healthcare delivery in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of care in rural areas.

The California Forests and Watersheds - Wildfires Restoration Grant Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to restore lands and watersheds in the Angeles National Forest affected by the Copper (2002) and Sayre (2008) wildfires. This competitive grant focuses on increasing restoration efforts, enhancing ecological benefits, and promoting innovative solutions for forest health. The program encourages partnerships and stewardship in managing U.S. Forest Service lands, ensuring sustainable recovery and resilience for future generations.

The SSUS Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to enhance housing stability for low-income individuals living with HIV. This initiative provides tenant-based rental assistance and security deposit support, promoting access to essential services. By focusing on long-term strategies for housing and care, HOPWA seeks to improve health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals throughout New Jersey.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG)

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is committed to fighting for the education, financial stability, and basic needs of everyone in Central Kentucky. Through the work of UWBG programs, grant-funded programming, and our nonprofit partners, we’re making great strides toward creating a thriving community where everyone can prosper.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

2026 Safety Net Grants – Investment Focus

Food Access & Nutrition Support:

• Food Pantry - Provides groceries for home preparation, typically including canned goods, grains, and other basic staples, to address short-term food insecurity.
• Weekend/Backpack Programs for Youth - Distributes easy-to-prepare food to children who lack reliable meals outside school days.
• Senior Nutrition Programs - Home-delivered or congregate meals targeted to older adults to prevent hunger and isolation.
• Infant & Toddler Nutrition Support - Provides formula, baby food, and nutrition supplies for households with young children.
• Community Kitchens / Congregate Meals - On-site meals are served at faith-based or nonprofit facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.

 Housing Stabilization & Eviction Prevention

• Provides short-term financial assistance and limited supportive services to clients to prevent eviction or quickly stabilize households at risk of homelessness (including domestic violence housing stabilization). Primary focus is rent payment assistance, with flexibility for related costs (utilities, deposits, arrears, application fees) when directly tied to maintaining or securing housing.

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson (HFW) offers responsive grants aimed at improving health and wellness in the Wilson, NC community. Established in 2014, HFW prioritizes tax-exempt organizations that address healthcare access, active living, and mental health. Funding is directed towards innovative programs, especially those targeting youth, while ensuring eligibility criteria, including three years of operational history, are met. This initiative reflects HFW's commitment to reinvesting resources back into the community.

Proposition 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience is a funding opportunity offered by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. It aims to support projects focused on watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, and forest restoration while promoting workforce development for disadvantaged communities. Applicants must submit a Concept Proposal followed by a Full Application if selected. This initiative enhances ecological health and creates career pathways in vulnerable populations.

Pima County GHovernment

Pima County government can be divided into several general areas of responsibility. Under each area, a group of departments and their divisions provide services to the community. Many of the services the County provides are mandated under state law. Others do not hold legislative mandates but are critical to the effective operation of the County or are important to the health, safety, and quality of life of County residents.

Unlike most Arizona counties, Pima County has a large urban, unincorporated population. Nearly 400,000 residents of unincorporated Pima County live in mostly urban areas of the County, not within any city or town. Because of this, Pima County provides many services that a municipality would typically provide.

Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2

 Program Overview

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on Pima County residents, the County is offering targeted support to eligible nonprofit organizations through the Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2. This initiative provides direct funding to partner agencies to increase food security, stabilize housing, prevent eviction, and address other urgent human needs among individuals and families affected by the crisis.

This emergency program is administered under the framework of the Pima County Outside Agency (OA) Program, which strategically invests County General Fund dollars into nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services.

About

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to maintaining open communication and engagement with the community, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and the Council of the District of Columbia to find solutions for transportation-related matters. DDOT's Community Engagement Division (CED) coordinates, assesses, and addresses community and ANC requests, informs ANCs and communities on the status of DDOT projects and service requests, and identifies strategic and routine actions to build community support for the District's transportation infrastructure projects and program initiatives. 

DC Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The TAP or TA Set-Aside is a reimbursable federal aid funding program for transportation-related community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The program aims to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment by supporting non-traditional projects linked to the transportation system.

Projects will be reviewed through a competitive process and selected based upon a number of criteria, including the project’s expected benefits to the community, feasibility and project readiness, consistency with agency plans and missions, and the sponsor’s demonstrated ability to manage a federal-aid project.

The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) encourages TAP projects that support the following:

• Multimodal Transportation Options (with emphasis on non-auto modes)
• Activity Centers
• Access to Transit
• Safe Routes to School
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

FY 25-26 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY25 and FY26 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,269,378 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying, non-traditional projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY25 or FY26 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2026. The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will work with DDOT to conduct the competitive selection process for funds. 

The Transportation Alternatives program is a part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Although the program is a “grant” program under Federal regulation, it is not an “up-front” grant program and funds are available only on a reimbursement basis. Only after a project has been approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office can costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Costs incurred prior to FHWA division office project approval are not eligible for reimbursement

California Department of Health Care Access and Information

Mission: HCAI expands access to quality, equitable, affordable health care for all Californians by supporting high value delivery systems, resilient health facilities and workforces, and actionable health information and strategies.

HCAI is committed to expanding access to quality, equitable, affordable health care for all Californians by supporting high value delivery systems, resilient health facilities and workforces, and actionable health information and strategies.

California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program – California’s Implementation

The California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) program is California’s approach to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), led by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversight. CalRHT is designed to strengthen health care delivery in rural communities where access challenges, workforce shortages, and infrastructure gaps create unique barriers to care.

CalRHT Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention Program

Background and Mission

The Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention Program (WDRR), established under Initiative 2: Workforce Development of the California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Program, aims to strengthen and sustain the rural healthcare workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and training for Health Professionals. WDRR funds eligible organizations to retain Health Professionals already practicing in rural communities and to recruit eligible Health Professionals to qualifying rural sites.

WDRR is an organizational grant program. HCAI awards grants to eligible rural-serving organizations who will provide bonuses to Health Professionals at their qualifying rural sites. Every bonus to Health Professionals carries a uniform five-year service obligation. 

The Grant Healthcare Foundation Grant aims to enhance healthcare services in Chicago, focusing on direct medical, mental health, and preventive care. Established to support organizations that improve access for underserved communities, the foundation prioritizes innovative programs with measurable outcomes. It funds initiatives that align with its mission to address barriers in healthcare access, particularly in the city's south and west sides. Preference is given to organizations demonstrating strong community leadership and collaboration.

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthy metro-Atlanta region by supporting organizations that provide comprehensive health services for women and children in Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. The foundation focuses on improving access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy behaviors, and enhancing organizational capacity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a strong commitment to addressing social determinants of health, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and community collaboration.

Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors

Goal

By year-end 2028, we will have funded successful programs and services with measurable impact on the lives of Greater Cincinnati's Jewish seniors.

Mission

To improve the quality of life of Greater Cincinnati Jewish seniors by investing in impactful services and programs.

Vision

For every Jewish senior in our region to age with connection, dignity, and purpose.

Strategic Focus Areas for Priority Funding

• Reducing Social Isolation
• Supporting Caregivers
• Intergenerational Connections
• Food Insecurity and/or Access to Kosher Food
• Transportation
• Affordable Housing
• Health and Wellness/Healthy Living Longer
• Improving Awareness of Available Services for Seniors
• Engaging the Skills and Talents of Older Adults in the Community (including as volunteers)
• Jewish Engagement and Connection
• Innovation in programs, services or delivery

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont provides crucial technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners. This program aims to integrate conservation practices into working lands, addressing vital natural resource concerns like soil health, water quality, and habitat improvement. With year-round application acceptance, EQIP supports sustainable agriculture while enhancing resilience against climate change, offering a pathway for organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming.

The Hawaii Sea Grant: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) offers undergraduates the chance to engage in ocean sciences research and environmental studies in Hawaii and the Pacific. Running from June 8 to August 14, this full-time program pairs students with mentors from various institutions. Participants will gain hands-on experience, attend workshops, and present their findings at a symposium, all while receiving a $7,000 stipend to support their research efforts.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant, offered by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, supports one-year projects aimed at improving healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians. Eligible applicants, including public health departments, can propose initiatives targeting early childhood trauma, pre- and post-partum care, and data collection for health metrics. Technical assistance is required before application submission, ensuring applicants are well-prepared to enhance community health outcomes.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Long-Term program supports emerging scholars in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Funded by the Henry Luce Foundation, this fellowship enables recent PhDs to conduct research and writing in China studies for four to nine months. Eligible applicants must have a PhD conferred no earlier than January 1, 2016, and demonstrate a working knowledge of Chinese. Priority is given to projects engaging with China, Hong Kong, and surrounding regions.

The NJ Water Bank Technical Assistance Planning and Design Grant provides crucial funding for disadvantaged communities to cover planning and design costs for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. This initiative supports various environmental infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment and stormwater management facilities. Eligible applicants must meet the affordability criteria set forth by the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and have a pending project application. This grant aims to enhance water quality and accessibility.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

The California Sea Grant State Fellowship Program offers graduate students a unique chance to engage in coastal and marine resource management in California. Modeled after the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, it provides hands-on experience by matching fellows with agencies and organizations focused on marine policy. Since 1987, this program has successfully placed 350 graduates, enhancing their career prospects in marine and coastal management. Hosts benefit from the skills of motivated fellows while contributing to their professional development.

Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors

Goal

By year-end 2028, we will have funded successful programs and services with measurable impact on the lives of Greater Cincinnati's Jewish seniors.

Mission

To improve the quality of life of Greater Cincinnati Jewish seniors by investing in impactful services and programs.

Vision

For every Jewish senior in our region to age with connection, dignity, and purpose.

Strategic Focus Areas for Priority Funding

• Reducing Social Isolation
• Supporting Caregivers
• Intergenerational Connections
• Food Insecurity and/or Access to Kosher Food
• Transportation
• Affordable Housing
• Health and Wellness/Healthy Living Longer
• Improving Awareness of Available Services for Seniors
• Engaging the Skills and Talents of Older Adults in the Community (including as volunteers)
• Jewish Engagement and Connection
• Innovation in programs, services or delivery

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

Texas Health Community Impact

A Department of Community Health Improvement

We invest in community health and well-being through grantmaking and strategic collaborations. From data-driven, home-grown regional strategies to technical assistance, Texas Health Community Impact collaborates with community leaders to offer creative grant opportunities to North Texas organizations with a mutual desire to transform health and well-being in innovative ways.

Texas Health Community Impact Grants (Request for Proposals)

Texas Health Community Impact requests proposals to fund local organizations collaborating on innovative solutions that address barriers to community health and wellbeing. Up to $5 million is available across nine counties for the 2027-2028 grant cycle.

These community health improvement grants are made possible by Texas Health Resources—a faith‑based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider.

Key Requirements

Applications must fulfill four key requirements: 1. Propose an innovative approach. 2. Demonstrate a collaborative effort between two or more organizations. 3. Align with strategic priorities. 4. Promote sustainability. Read Grant Key Requirements.

Project Implementation

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin implementing activities within four months of the execution of the MOU. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Applicants

Organizations that applied for a previous Texas Health Community Impact grant cycle and were not awarded are eligible to apply. 

Request for Proposals by Region

The Texas Health Community Impact Grant requests proposals by regions: 1) Collin Region; 2) Dallas and Kaufman Region; 3) Denton, Wise and Parker Region; 4) Southern Region; and 5) Tarrant Region.

Texas Health is investing a total of $5 million in grants across its five regions, which spans nine counties. Groups seeking to work collaboratively on innovative upstream approaches to address priorities identified in each region are encouraged to apply for this competitive funding opportunity.

Tarrant Region

Grants that advance to the funding stage must demonstrate innovative solutions that remove barriers, expand access to chronic disease services, and achieve measurable improvements in health outcomes.

Grantmaking Approach, Goals, and Objectives

Texas Health Community Impact funding is not intended to replace lost funding. Texas Health does recognize that non-profits’ budgets have been affected by recent changes and acknowledge the great work that is being done by Tarrant non-profits and community-based organizations to serve communities in need; however, we are focused on innovative, disruptive programs that are not already in place.

In Tarrant County, the strategic priority is to maximize access to chronic disease services for adults 18 and older by addressing one or more of the following non-medical drivers of health in ZIP code clusters 76010 & 76011, 76104 & 76105, and/or 76119:

• Healthcare access, navigation & literacy
• Transportation
• Connectedness
• Food insecurity

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund, launched in 2021 by United Way of Greater Atlanta, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that significantly impact Georgia's LGBTQIA+ community. With priorities in economic stability and small business support, the fund aims to uplift vulnerable individuals and families facing systemic barriers. By granting funds to eligible nonprofits, it fosters equity and enhances the well-being of diverse communities throughout Georgia, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.