Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Houston Methodist

Our Mission: To provide high quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring in association with internationally recognized teaching and research.

Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant 

Through the Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant, nonprofit organizations can apply for support focused on one of two grant priority pillars: Healthy Neighborhoods or Education & Economic Empowerment. This funding is programmatic support for services provided to the Greater Houston area. Applicants must clearly describe how the funding will impact the community and must be able to track unique individuals served and program outcomes. 

Education & Economic Empowerment Grants

Houston Methodist’s Education and Economic Empowerment grants include direct services programs that are designed to increase economic mobility. Poverty is one of the biggest upstream nonmedical drivers of health outcomes, and an individual’s ability to reach economic goals and secure livable wage jobs increases the chances that their family will have access to healthcare and positive health outcomes. Under this priority pillar, ideal programs for funding include programs that empower community members to achieve education and employment goals that will lead to better paying jobs, long term career pathways, and greater economic mobility.

Qualifying Programs

• Job certification programs
• Job readiness
• Asset building programs
• Upskilling programs
• Financial education and financial literacy
• Small Business Programs
• Adult Education (ESL, Literacy, GED)
• Other Education programs that increase socio-economic mobility

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The Lincoln and Therese Filene Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in the Greater Boston area, focusing on civic education, human development, music education, and public broadcasting. Their mission aims to empower disadvantaged individuals, promote civic engagement, and enhance access to the performing arts. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are awarded to organizations with specific, achievable proposals. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth and self-sufficiency.

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.

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 Libra Foundation Grant, established by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989, focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Maine. As of June 20, 2025, the foundation will pause new applications for one year while reassessing its funding priorities. It aims to provide small grants to diverse causes in areas such as arts, education, health, and more, thus empowering communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Maine citizens.

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 Community Foundation of Pulaski County offers multiple grants aimed at improving community needs in Pulaski County, Indiana. These grants support charitable programs and projects, funded by both unrestricted and specific interest funds. Applicants are encouraged to review the 2025 Grant Guidelines to ensure eligibility, and to contact the foundation for guidance. The evaluation process considers project quality, community impact, and management capabilities, prioritizing initiatives that benefit a significant number of residents.

The American Cetacean Society's Puget Sound Chapter offers student travel grants for the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 25th Biennial Conference. Two grants of $750 each will be awarded to eligible students conducting research on cetaceans in Washington State. Applicants must be current ACS members, enrolled at recognized institutions, and first authors on accepted presentations. This initiative supports the conservation and study of marine mammals, fostering new research and collaboration.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program supports local nonprofits in Mendocino County, focusing on children and youth projects. Established in 2016, it aims to empower young people through initiatives that enhance workforce readiness, health, and well-being. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,500, with proposals for larger amounts undergoing a two-stage review process. Priority is given to programs that foster leadership and inclusivity for youth of diverse backgrounds.

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.

The LA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to enhance land management practices for agricultural producers in Louisiana. By offering tailored conservation plans, CSP aims to improve productivity and protect natural resources. With a focus on sustainable practices, participants can increase crop yields, enhance wildlife habitats, and adopt innovative conservation activities. This program is a crucial part of the USDA's efforts to support working lands and promote environmental stewardship across 70 million acres nationwide.

The MN Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports farmers in enhancing conservation efforts while strengthening operations. It offers technical and financial assistance to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, and develop wildlife habitats. Producers work with NRCS to create tailored conservation plans that expand on existing efforts and implement new practices. CSP also provides annual payments for these practices, helping participants achieve environmental benefits and improved agricultural productivity.

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.

The Lake Erie Protection Fund Grant provides small grants up to $50,000 for projects aimed at preserving and restoring Lake Erie and its watersheds in Ohio. It emphasizes research and practical initiatives that improve environmental management and economic development. Funded through donations, this grant supports projects that may change annually in focus and funding amount, contributing to the health of Lake Erie.

The Voelcker Fund Young Investigator Award supports promising young researchers in cancer, arthritis, heart disease, muscular dystrophy, and retinal diseases. With a funding capacity of up to $450,000 over three years, this award encourages innovation and aims to foster a pipeline of talented biomedical scientists from San Antonio institutions. Eligible candidates must hold a tenure-track position and demonstrate a commitment to research, enhancing the potential for further funding opportunities.

The Iowa Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (WRE) offers financial and technical assistance to restore and protect wetlands. It aims to enhance ecosystems while allowing landowners to retain ownership. Eligible participants include private landowners and Indian tribes, who can enroll in permanent or 30-year easements. This program prioritizes projects that benefit wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Applications are accepted continuously, with funding contingent upon available resources.

The Iowa Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports landowners in protecting and enhancing working agricultural lands through conservation easements. It offers financial assistance and technical support for maintaining agricultural practices while preserving wetlands and grasslands. Enrollment is open to eligible partners, including tribes and local governments, while prioritizing applications that maximize agricultural land protection. ACEP contributes up to 75% of the easement's market value for lands of special environmental significance.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing the vitality of Indianapolis through targeted grantmaking in education, health, and economic development. The program prioritizes support for tax-exempt organizations that align with its goals, addressing critical issues such as public health, academic outcomes, and workforce development. By fostering collaboration and sharing data-driven insights, the Foundation aims to create a more vibrant, equitable city where all residents can thrive.

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.

The Proposition 68 Grant Program, led by the California Tahoe Conservancy, allocates $27 million to enhance Lake Tahoe's natural and recreational resources. The program aims to protect communities from wildfire, restore forests and watersheds, and provide public access for outdoor recreation. Additionally, it promotes climate adaptation and diversity in community benefits, with $5 million dedicated to local assistance grants, thereby supporting sustainable development and environmental improvement in the Basin.

The FISA Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities, particularly women and girls. Priorities include enhancing access to healthcare, addressing biases in the system, and preventing violence against vulnerable populations. The foundation emphasizes projects with clear outcomes and realistic evaluation plans, focusing on marginalized groups, especially those facing systemic barriers. Eligible organizations must operate within southwestern Pennsylvania and benefit women, girls, or people with disabilities.

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 Skokie Community Foundation Grants promote collaboration among organizations to enhance community welfare in Skokie. Applications must involve at least two partners, including a qualified nonprofit or governmental entity. The foundation funds diverse projects addressing arts, education, health, and more. The aim is to create lasting benefits for the Skokie community, ensuring that funded initiatives support both immediate needs and long-term development.

Infrastructure Planning and Development Division

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD) collaborates with state agencies, the legislative and judicial branches, local public bodies, and Tribes to provide comprehensive planning and funding assistance for capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP).

Our mission is to expertly manage the planning and funding process for all capital outlay projects, ensuring that they are fully funded through various appropriations and financing mechanisms, including the Capital Appropriation Bill, the Reauthorization Bill, the GOB Bill, the HB2 Specials, federal grant and loan programs, state grant and loan programs, and any Junior Bill.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually on a formula basis. The New Mexico State CDBG program provides funding for infrastructure projects to small cities and non-entitlement communities in New Mexico. The Community Development Council (CDC) selects grantees for funding in annual allocation meetings.

The Nonpoint Source Management Grants (Section 319) support watershed-based projects aimed at restoring or protecting water quality. Funded by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, these grants provide financial assistance for implementing the Nonpoint Source Management Plan. Eligible entities include government units, educational institutions, and non-profits. Key details include a grant limit of $300,000, a 40% non-federal match requirement, and a project duration of up to 3 years.

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

Healthy Communities Delaware

Healthy Communities Delaware (HCD) is pleased to announce this Request for Proposals for work that advances community level-change and improves the Vital Conditions that all people and communities need to thrive—humane housing, lifelong learning, a thriving natural environment, meaningful work and wealth, basic needs for health and safety, reliable transportation, a sense of belonging and civic muscle. This funding aims to support projects that align with their mission of working with communities, investors and systems to create thriving places for thriving people.