Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

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 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.

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 Community Grants program, formerly known as PCAF, supports individuals and organizations in implementing community-based conservation projects. With an annual funding of approximately $150,000, the program emphasizes hands-on initiatives that enhance public awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible projects focus on the restoration and maintenance of native freshwater species and habitats, with a requirement for a volunteer component. Grants typically range from $2,500 to a maximum of $20,000 over the project's lifetime, fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship.

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 27-28 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY27 and FY28 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,951,200 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY27 or FY28 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2027. 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.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

What is a One Young World Scholarship?

One Young World scholarships open doors for extraordinary young changemakers to join the One Young World Summit and global Community, fully funded. These fully funded leadership scholarships cover travel, accommodation, and meals so your ability to make an impact is never limited by financial constraints.

From worldwide initiatives to regional programmes, we offer scholarships for young changemakers and scholarships for social impact leaders working on today’s most urgent challenges.

We partner with civil society organisations, governments, businesses, universities, and philanthropies to make these fully funded leadership scholarships possible — ensuring the brightest minds have the platform they deserve.

Our Scholars

Our scholars demonstrate proven leadership ability, creating change in their communities. Many of our scholars are changing the world at the grassroots level, some are top-performing industry professionals, while others are paving the way politically in their countries.

Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship

About The Scholarship

The world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. The slow rate of progress is compounded by health and rights disparities that impact women and girls’ opportunities across a broad range of other areas. Women disproportionately suffer from certain mental disorders and are more frequently subject to social issues that lead to mental illness and psychosocial distress. Nearly half of married women lack decision-making power of their sexual health and rights. 1 in 5 young women are married before their 18th birthday and at the current rate of progress it will take 300 years to end child marriage.

Now in its second year, the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship was created to empower young leaders who are committed to addressing the urgent and deeply interconnected challenges facing women and girls today. The scholarship equips emerging changemakers with the tools, knowledge, and global platform they need to lead transformative action. By supporting passionate young leaders who are tackling issues like child marriage, gender-based violence, and mental health disparities, the Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship aims to foster a new generation of empathetic, courageous, and visionary leaders working toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable world for all.

One Young World is proud to deliver this opportunity in partnership with Hauwa Ojeifo Global Impact Fund for Women & Girls. Led by trailblazing advocate for mental health and One Young World Ambassador Hauwa Ojeifo, the Impact Fund is on a mission to strengthen systems of care for the health and wellbeing for 100 million women & girls by 2030.

Join us

We are looking for sixteen emerging young leaders who are committed to addressing the urgent and deeply interconnected challenges facing women and girls today. 

What will you receive?

Hauwa Ojeifo Scholars will receive:

• Access to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 - 6 November.
• Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
• Access to the One Young WorldGlobal Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator.
• Opportunity to apply for grant funding of up to $25,000 USD.
• Hotel accommodation for the duration of the One Young World Summit.
• Return travel from your country of residence to Cape Town (flights in economy).
• Catering which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the Summit.
• Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue

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.

The Wildfire Prevention Grant Program by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy aims to mitigate the impact of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. This program supports projects that enhance forest health, promote sustainable land use, and develop community resilience. Funding ranges from $300,000 to $2,000,000, focusing on strategic fire prevention planning and management in vulnerable areas, particularly the San Gabriel Mountains and urban wildlife corridors.

The NH Clean Water State Revolving Fund offers low-cost financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing public health and water quality. It supports local communities with funding for wastewater infrastructure and pollution control initiatives. Benefits include below-market loan rates, potential loan forgiveness, and project support throughout planning and construction phases. Annual loan pre-applications are encouraged for various water management projects, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship in New Hampshire.

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 Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration RFP aims to enhance critical fish habitats in the Klamath River Basin following the historic removal of four dams. With up to $11,553,000 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this initiative seeks to restore populations of native fish species and improve habitat conditions. The program will support various conservation projects, ensuring the ecological integrity of this vital ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

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 Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The Columbus Foundation offers the Focused Funds Grants to enhance community well-being through strategic support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in diverse areas, including environment, health, special populations, and social services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available. Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.

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 Nonpoint Source Management Grants (Section 319) provide vital funding for small projects aimed at combating runoff pollution, a significant contributor to water quality degradation. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, these grants offer up to $15,000, with a 40% non-federal match required. Eligible applicants include government units, educational institutions, and non-profits, making it an essential opportunity for organizations seeking to improve water quality through innovative local projects.

The Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) Grant Program aims to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth in Colorado. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 will support projects that engage professional artists in educational settings for youth aged 4-21. This initiative, backed by significant foundations, seeks to dismantle barriers to arts education, fostering creativity and community engagement while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Yale Appliance Foundation Grant supports 501c3 nonprofits focused on aiding veterans, the elderly, minors, and the homeless in the Boston area. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for capital projects and program purchases that directly benefit these vulnerable groups. Organizations receiving $2,000 or more must submit a detailed report on fund usage. Applications are reviewed quarterly, emphasizing local charities making a significant impact.

The Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship encourages graduate students to contribute to wilderness protection, honoring Gloria Barron's legacy. The Wilderness Society prioritizes projects addressing climate change and equitable access to public lands. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program, possess strong academic qualifications, and focus on long-term wilderness conservation. Research proposals on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and social-ecological contexts are particularly welcome, aiming for inclusive and impactful conservation efforts.

The City of Carlsbad's Community Arts Grants program supports emerging arts organizations in Carlsbad, CA. Aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities, these grants provide up to $5,000 for projects that engage diverse communities. Applicants must be recognized as nonprofit entities, with a focus on inclusive practices and artistic expression across various mediums. The program emphasizes collaboration and community impact, aligning with the city's cultural values and commitment to enriching local arts.

The Babson Foundation's Competitive Grants Program supports entrepreneurship, youth development, and urban environmental improvements in Greater Boston. Focusing on three key areas—entrepreneurship education, community building through urban gardens, and violence reduction—this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in the region. Eligible organizations must be located within Greater Boston, while specific individuals and certain types of requests, such as summer camps and scholarships, are not funded.

The Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program (WQPRP) provides funding for projects aimed at safeguarding Suffolk County's water resources. This program allocates 11.75% of the revenues from the ¼% Drinking Water Protection Program to support municipalities and non-profits in initiatives like pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, ensuring impactful projects enhance the community's environmental health and sustainability.

The Point Source Implementation Grants support local governments in funding essential water infrastructure projects. These grants aim to comply with TMDL plans under the Clean Water Act, reduce phosphorus discharge, and meet specific nitrogen limits. Eligible applicants include cities with projects ready for construction by spring/summer 2025. Those who previously applied but did not obtain MPCA certification are encouraged to reapply. This initiative aims to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

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.

The ID AmeriCorps Formula Grant, funded by Serve Idaho, aims to support organizations targeting communities facing concentrated poverty, rural and tribal areas, and historically underserved individuals. This grant prioritizes initiatives focused on youth mental health, veteran support, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. It encourages programs that enhance the quality of life for veterans and military families, while promoting resilience in underserved communities through sustainable practices.