Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The KCCF: KREMC Operation Round Up Fund Grant supports local charitable initiatives by encouraging members to round up their electric bills, with funds directed to various community causes. Eligible organizations must serve residents in the Kosciusko REMC area, including Kosciusko, Whitley, Wabash, and Fulton Counties, and hold a charitable designation. The grant favors projects that benefit low-income individuals, promote youth development, and support mental health initiatives, while avoiding support for routine operations or political activities.

The ELCA World Hunger Program offers Domestic Hunger Grants to support U.S. and Caribbean congregations in addressing food security and other local issues. With a maximum award of $10,000 per year for three years, these grants prioritize organizations with strong community ties and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty and hunger through collaborative efforts and advocacy for systemic change.

Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening local communities through charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups. Their mission focuses on providing essential services, enhancing quality of life, and fostering relationships with customers. They prioritize funding programs that align with their philanthropic goals, specifically in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Capital projects are not eligible for support, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

The Kelly Family Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that foster education, mentoring, welfare, and the arts for youth in the Greater Boston area. Grants focus on operations that provide direct services and require organizations to demonstrate effective use of funds. The foundation emphasizes accountability and encourages multi-year plans, while ensuring that no annual grant exceeds 5% of its total budget. This initiative aims to uplift the community by investing in impactful programs.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

James Davis came from a proud tradition of farming and public service that stretched back generations. His great-great-grandfather began raising sugar cane and tobacco in Florida in the early 1800s, laying the foundation for a family deeply rooted in agriculture. His grandfather, Amos Davis, served seven terms in the Florida House of Representatives and later as its sergeant-at-arms for three terms.

Jim’s excellence in his field earned him multiple Grower of the Year awards from the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. He also served as a board member for the Florida Farm Bureau, contributed to the Allied Trade Show steering committee, and was active in several other trade and civic organizations.

“It is a good industry. I have really enjoyed it,” Jim said in a Nursery Digest article, reflecting his passion for horticulture and agriculture.

Following his death in 1995, Jim’s legacy lives on through a scholarship fund that supports students pursuing degrees in horticulture or agriculture — helping a new generation grow strong roots of their own.

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation, established in 1990, continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles in Augusta, Maine. It supports charitable organizations, primarily in the Capital Region, focusing on preserving open spaces, caring for animals, supporting education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Organizations seeking funding must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and based in Maine, with donations capped at $5,000 to ensure broad community support.

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, prioritizing those in Maine's Capital Region. Established in 1990, the foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and focus on preserving open spaces, protecting animals, supporting children's education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

The San Antonio Area Foundation's Annual Responsive Grants - Cycle 2 focuses on Livable and Resilient Communities and Successful Aging. By providing multi-year grants, the foundation aims to enhance access to affordable housing, transportation, wellness resources, and support for older adults and their caregivers in the San Antonio area. This initiative emphasizes trust-based philanthropy and community partnership, ensuring that organizations can effectively address the needs of underserved populations.

The Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support various charitable purposes, particularly for children. Following the founders' deaths, the foundation continues to provide grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on health care, education, and the welfare of children and animals, as well as environmental preservation. With a commitment to impactful giving, it ensures that financial assistance is directed towards qualified organizations in Texas.

The Impact100 South Jersey Grants: Core Mission Grant empowers women to collectively fund high-impact projects in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties. By uniting over 100 women who contribute $1,000 each, the initiative aims to grant a minimum of $100,000 annually to vetted local organizations. Focus areas include women, children, families, education, and community health, supporting transformative projects that enhance community well-being and organizational capacity.

About Alaska DOT&PF

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities designs, constructs, operates and maintains the state’s transportation infrastructure systems, buildings, and other facilities used by Alaskans and visitors.

Alaska Community Transit

We support Alaska's communities—urban and rural—by ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible transit services for everyone, including transit-dependent populations.

Human Service Transportation Grant 

Purpose

The purpose of the Human Service Transportation Grant is to provide transportation services that meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities and Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries for whom public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Community Transit Office (ACT) uses a combination of federal Section 5310 and Alaska Mental Health Trust funds to provide awards to nonprofit organizations or public bodies that certify that no nonprofit organization or association is readily available in an area to provide service.

The Impact Las Vegas Grant Program provides substantial funding to nonprofits in Southern Nevada, focusing on initiatives that enhance culture, education, environment, family, and health. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and serve the local community. Grants support projects with clear goals and measurable outcomes, while excluding funding for operational costs, individual grants, or political activities. The program aims to empower local nonprofits to create significant positive change within the community.

The Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Grant Program aims to enhance food security and access to fresh produce in urban areas. It supports commercial projects for the production and marketing of food, focusing on long-term investments in infrastructure and innovative farming techniques. The program prioritizes initiatives that address soil quality, land acquisition, and community engagement, ensuring that urban farming benefits low to moderate-income neighborhoods and fosters local economic development.

The Impact 100 Chicago Grant provides $100,000 annually to local nonprofits addressing critical social issues in Chicago. This initiative supports high-impact projects and programs, encouraging organizations to apply by selecting a primary focus area such as culture, education, family, health, or sustainability. The grant cycle runs from September to May, with eligibility requiring 501(c)(3) status, operational presence in Chicago, and compliance with financial reporting. Unrestricted funds can be utilized for various organizational needs.

The CDBG Housing Assistance Program, managed by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, offers funding for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Eligible applicants include local governments and counties in Maine, with a maximum grant amount of $1,000,000. A 20% cash match is required for applicants, and administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of the grant. This program aims to improve housing options through rehabilitation and conversion of properties.

The James E. Dutton Foundation provides financial support to organizations dedicated to wildlife, environmental preservation, and outdoor education. With a focus on positively impacting animal life and enhancing human experiences in nature, the foundation honors Jim Dutton's legacy by funding diverse projects. This includes aiding distressed animals, promoting conservation education, and encouraging stewardship of natural resources. The foundation primarily supports initiatives in Wisconsin and the Midwest, aiming for lasting benefits to both wildlife and communities.

The South Berkshire County Fund's Better Together Grants focus on enhancing mental health and wellness by funding community projects that foster resilience and well-being. Open to nonprofits and community organizations, these grants emphasize impactful initiatives for underserved populations. Examples include counseling, educational programs, and arts activities, all aimed at creating positive social interactions. The program seeks to empower individuals through collaborative efforts while ensuring inclusivity for all community members.

The Ibis Charities Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) charities in Palm Beach County. Eligible organizations must maintain good standing with the IRS and the Florida Secretary of State. The foundation funds projects in various areas including education, health and wellness, arts, and the environment, focusing on initiatives that yield measurable outcomes. General funding may be considered if it aligns with the charity's core mission. Notably, grants are not available for individual support or charities outside the designated region.

The GKFF Accelerator Grants aim to enhance funding access for historically disadvantaged nonprofits in Tulsa. By providing financial and technical support, the program empowers community leaders to implement effective solutions addressing local needs. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews in February, May, August, and November. This initiative aligns with the George Kaiser Family Foundation's mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Tulsans, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being.

The Community Solutions Grant Program, administered by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, offers financial support to enhance the quality of life for East Metro residents through various initiatives in Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Health, Human Services, and Education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, available for one to two years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, enabling organizations to respond to immediate community needs.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Early Childhood Education Priority Area Grants

The Lake County Early Childhood Education Fund provides grant support to organizations serving children from prenatal through age five in Lake County. Established in 2010, this restricted fund is dedicated to strengthening and expanding early childhood education opportunities across the county. There is no letter of inquiry requirement; eligible organizations are invited to apply directly. Funding priority is given to projects that introduce new and innovative approaches to early childhood education, reduce barriers to access for Lake County residents, and address otherwise unmet needs, particularly in areas where the applicant is the sole service provider.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Priority Area Grants

The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) is relaunching its Capacity Building priority area for Spring 2026 to support nonprofits in strengthening their internal operations and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to enhance nonprofit sustainability, efficiency, and long-term growth so organizations are better equipped to serve the community. Capacity Building grants support one-time organizational costs and expenses; recurring salaries, fees, or ongoing operational costs are not eligible. Organizations that receive a Capacity Building grant may still apply for and receive funding under LCCF’s Growing Communities priority area, as participation in one does not preclude funding from the other.

The Gratis Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on education, health care, humanitarian services, and at-risk youth. Applications are accepted in specific periods: October 1 to January 31 for health and medical research; February 1 to May 31 for education; and June 1 to September 30 for military and animal welfare. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in designated areas. The foundation emphasizes achievement and leadership in its funding decisions.

Overview

The Lake County Community Foundation asserts that the quality of life of Lake County can be improved through an earnest effort to bring organizations, government, businesses, corporations and civic leaders together to establish a common vision, adopt a shared set of measurable goals and pursue evidence-based activities that reinforce one another’s objectives as a means of addressing the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation envisions a county-wide health and human services delivery system that is robust and thriving with a network of providers capable of achieving the greatest impact on the urgent needs of the most vulnerable residents of the county.

The Foundation’s approach combines strategic community leadership with intentional organizational investment—ultimately leading to a more streamlined coordination of countywide efforts.

Growing Communities Priority Area

Two-Year Grants support nonprofit organizations in achieving strategic growth, program stability, and long-term planning by providing greater financial predictability and strengthening organizational capacity for deeper community impact. Funding prioritizes initiatives that promote equitable access in Lake County to affordable nutritious food, comprehensive health care including mental health services, safe and affordable housing, education and workforce opportunities, and immigration and legal support services. Preference is given to grassroots, community-based organizations that address barriers to accessing essential services and benefits, and to organizations serving unmet basic needs as the sole provider in their area.

The Ella C. Rownd Trust, managed by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, provides funding for capital projects benefiting Cedar Falls residents. With $13,000 available this year, nonprofit organizations and schools in Cedar Falls, IA, are encouraged to apply annually for these grants. Established in 1976, the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through private philanthropy.

Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting children in need across the nation. With over $61 million granted since 1982, SCC is refocusing its efforts to address the urgent challenges of homelessness and human trafficking in the Charlotte area. This shift aims to prioritize funding for organizations that assist orphaned and foster children, ensuring that critical needs such as food, shelter, and education are met for vulnerable populations.

The Colorado Garden Foundation offers a Full Ride Scholarship for incoming freshmen from Colorado attending a publicly funded college or university. This four-year scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, and necessary books. Recipients also receive a laptop and printer. Eligible fields of study include Agriculture Business, Horticulture, and Botany, among others. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.50 and be Colorado residents. This program aims to support students pursuing careers in agriculture and horticulture.