Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides essential funding to improve public facilities and support affordable housing initiatives across New Hampshire. Administered by the Community Development Finance Authority, the grants aim to enhance economic opportunities and meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. Key focus areas include financing for municipal infrastructure, water and sewer improvements, and housing rehabilitation projects, ensuring community revitalization and support for vulnerable populations.

Department of Energy and Environment

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, our agency administers programs and services to fulfill our mission. We work collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program

The mission of the District of Columbia’s Clean Water Construction (CWC) program is to fund the design and construction of voluntary projects that provide clean water to District streams and rivers.

Clean Water Construction Treatment Works Projects - Notice Of Funding Availability and Request For Partners (RFP)

DOEE seeks to identify collaborative partners for its fiscal year (FY) 2027 Clean Water Construction (CWC) grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Applications are requested for project partners in three categories of work: (1) Sewage Infrastructure Projects, (2) Stormwater Grey Infrastructure Projects, and (3) Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects. This RFP is competitive.

Clean Water Construction Grant Program - Sewage Infrastructure Projects

Sewage Infrastructure Projects include work on devices or systems that collect liquid municipal waste, including sanitary sewage and combined stormwater and sanitary sewage, convey these waste waters to a central location, process them to reduce their pollutant potential, and provide for proper disposal of residues and byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment.

Project examples

• New, expanded, or rehabilitated wastewater treatment works, including Biological Nutrient Removal;
• Infiltration/inflow correction;
• Replacement/rehabilitation of sanitary and/or storm sewers;
• Replacement/rehabilitation of collector, trunk, and interceptor sewers and of pumping stations;
• Combined sewer overflow abatement;
• Repair or replacement of damaged sanitary or combined sewer infrastructure that leaks untreated sewage into District waters;
• New, expanded, or rehabilitated sludge handling and disposal facilities;
• Water treatment plant filter backwash and sludge treatment; and
• Measures to reduce energy consumption for publicly-owned treatment works.

The Green Resiliency Grants (NY) program, administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, supports projects improving water quality and addressing extreme weather effects. Funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, grants range from $1 million to $10 million, covering up to 90% of eligible costs. Priority is given to disadvantaged communities, ensuring at least 35% benefit from the funding, promoting sustainable infrastructure across New York State.

The 0-5 Maternal Behavioral Health Grant, funded by the California Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, aims to enhance behavioral health services for children aged 0-5 and birthing individuals. With a budget of $1,601,000 over three years, the initiative focuses on providing technical assistance to six grantees, promoting integrated care systems, and ensuring access to essential resources. This collaborative approach seeks to improve outcomes, reduce school failures, and support families in navigating developmental and behavioral health challenges.

The Voelcker Fund Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations conducting medical research, focusing on diseases like cancer and heart disease. It provides restricted grants, emphasizing research that seeks cures in the Greater Bexar County area, particularly for conditions affecting the retina. The fund prioritizes organizations in San Antonio and offers various funding structures, including seed and matching grants, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.

The CCCF Standard Grant, administered by the Clay County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Clay County by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local governments. With over $85,000 available, grants will focus on community betterment projects in education, health, arts, and economic development. Applications are welcomed for initiatives that foster collaboration and address pressing community needs, with funding ranging from $500 to $10,000 for new or expanding projects.

What is Sea Grant?

Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) is part of a national network of 34 programs that engage in the better understanding, conservation, and use of coastal ecosystems. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant works in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify Hawaiʻi’s key environmental management issues and guide cutting-edge scientific research to address these challenges.

Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship Program (PICH)

The Pacific Islands Coastal Health Fellowship is a place-based program for recent graduates from the Pacific Islands who want to return home and gain meaningful, hands-on experience in environmental and community work. Fellows will be placed with organizations in Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and/or Guam. Placement is dependent on fit between applicant and host organization.

Coordinated by the Hawai‘i Sea Grant Center for Pacific Ocean and Island Health and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing Systems (PacIOOS), the fellowship places early-career professionals full-time within local government agencies or community organizations working on projects related to fisheries and coastal health. Fellows will work in partnership with participating government agencies or community-serving institutions to work on priorities identified by those agencies and their communities. Focus areas include fisheries, ciguatera, water quality, marine debris, and human health, reflecting the everyday land–sea issues island communities face.

Fellows can expect to gain skills in research, management, outreach, and education. They will receive professional training and support throughout their fellowship period. This fellowship should equip recent graduates to transition into graduate school or into a meaningful career at the conclusion of the year. We hope they will build lasting relationships with host organizations and mentors that will support long-term collaborations and project support.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants support innovative research in Behavioral Science and Decision Making. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, inviting insights from economics, psychology, sociology, and law to enhance our understanding of decision-making processes across various societal contexts. Applications are open to scholars with a doctorate, focusing on critical issues such as policing, housing, and immigration, while encouraging a blend of theoretical and empirical research to inform public policy.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The NFL Grants program, in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. This initiative funds programs aimed at improving health and well-being, enhancing opportunities, and reducing barriers to care. Organizations providing direct services to the military community can apply for funding, ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications reviewed year-round.

The ASCA: Harper Arts Touring Fund, managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, supports diverse arts initiatives in Alaska. Established in 2002, it provides grants for travel and freight expenses related to touring performances and exhibitions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government units. The fund promotes community engagement through arts presentations that reach underserved populations. It aims to enhance access to quality cultural experiences across Alaskan communities, fostering local artist development and audience growth.

The Washington County Riverboat Association Grant Program offers funding through its Competitive Fund, distributing 75% of donations from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. The program prioritizes community development, economic growth, education, arts, and human needs, aiming to enhance livability and support innovative projects. Eligible applicants include governmental and charitable organizations, while ineligible entities include those benefiting individuals or engaging in political activities. The foundation encourages leveraging additional funding sources for project completion.

The Unifour Foundation Endowment Fund, established in 1998, supports qualified charitable organizations in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. With over $3 million awarded since 1991, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The fund prioritizes projects addressing early childhood education, mental health, and community needs like housing and food insecurity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and local government units, with applications open to those serving the designated areas.

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.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Land Acquisition & Conservation Easements

(See page 34 of attatched PDF)

Grants under this subprogram provide funding for permanent protection of land associated with lakes and rivers. Grants may be used for the acquisition of property or some property rights (also called easements) to protect lakes, rivers, and their ecosystems in perpetuity. Land acquisition projects are reviewed and processed by local environmental grant specialists. 

Grants may cover 75% of eligible project costs.

The Forest Conservation Program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance California's native forests through conservation, restoration, and management. Funded by Proposition 84 and 68, it supports diverse projects such as meadow restoration and post-fire recovery. The program seeks to improve ecological integrity and economic stability while addressing water resource conservation and wildfire mitigation. This initiative aligns with the Board's strategic goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and protection of vital forest ecosystems.

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 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.

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is launching the 2025 Arts & Community Health Grant to promote art's role in enhancing community health. This initiative seeks innovative arts programs that encourage healthy behaviors, raise health awareness, and foster dialogue about key health issues. Eligible applicants include arts organizations in New Jersey that engage in health-focused programming. The Foundation aims to empower communities through creative solutions that address health challenges effectively.

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.

The Non-Point Source Grants, provided by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, support projects addressing critical water quality issues without requiring repayment. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and government agencies. The application process requires detailed project proposals and documentation of effectiveness through monitoring. Funding can also match other sources, enhancing project viability. Successful applicants must submit a final report upon project completion to ensure compliance and accountability.

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Funding Opportunity Description:

This funding opportunity is to support rental assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.

Overview

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The mission of HAHSTA is to protect and improve the health of District residents by preventing, diagnosing, treating, and reducing the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis, while ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care and support services for individuals and communities most impacted by these conditions.

The mission of the Capacity Building, Housing and Community Partnership Division (CBHCP) is to strengthen the HIV service delivery system by expanding access to stable housing, enhancing organizational and workforce capacity, and fostering strategic community partnerships that improve health outcomes, promote service coordination, and address structural barriers impacting people living with HIV in the District of Columbia.

The mission of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is to provide stable, affordable housing and housing-related supportive services for low-income individuals living with HIV and their households, recognizing housing stability as essential to improved health outcomes, sustained engagement in care, and overall well-being.

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to support the delivery of HOPWA-funded housing assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV and their households. Funding is intended to prevent homelessness, reduce housing instability, and promote long-term housing stability through time-limited and facility-based housing interventions, coordinated supportive services, and intensive case management.

Funds awarded under this opportunity will be used to implement HOPWA-allowable activities that support housing stability, improve continuity of care, and advance health outcomes, in alignment with federal HOPWA requirements and DC Health program priorities.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The Park Foundation Grants: Sustainable Ithaca aims to support initiatives fostering a fully sustainable community in Ithaca and Tompkins County. The foundation prioritizes projects that integrate environmental, social, and economic systems, with a focus on accessibility for low-income and communities of color. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, and grants are limited to local sustainability projects. Proposals outside Tompkins County are generally not considered.

The Chicago White Sox Grant aims to improve the lives of Chicago's underserved communities through funding for programs in child abuse prevention, health and wellness, youth education, and cancer research. With over $47 million distributed, the grant seeks qualified nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong financial health and impactful outcomes. Interested parties should prepare for the 2027 grant cycle, as inquiries for the 2026 cycle are no longer accepted, with reviews starting in June 2026.

The Texas A&M Forest Service invites proposals for the 2026 Community Forestry Grants Program, aimed at enhancing urban and community forestry across Texas. This program focuses on sustainable tree planting initiatives that increase canopy coverage, improve public health, and address sustainability issues such as climate and water quality. By applying, communities not only enhance their environments but also contribute to their resilience and well-being, fostering healthier urban ecosystems.

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.