Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

John Randolph FoundationAs a community foundation created from the sale of John Randolph Hospital in 1995, John Randolph Foundation is dedicated to building healthy communities and bright futures in the communities historically served by the hospital.

John Randolph Foundation: Responsive GrantsJohn Randolph Foundation partners with charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia to build healthy communities and bright futures.

Responsive Grants – For charitable organizations seeking support for programs that align with John Randolph Foundation’s strategic priorities. Types of Grants: 

• Access to Healthcare
• Health and Wellness
• Education 
• Food Insecurity
• Workforce Development
• Mental Health 
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention 
• Home Insecurity

The Catherine Holmes Wilkins Charitable Foundation Grant provides funding for qualified medical research and social service agencies in the Puget Sound region. The foundation prioritizes projects in medical research, services for the physically or mentally disabled, and humanitarian efforts, particularly for abused women and children. Average grants range from $2,000 to $5,000, with multi-year grants available under specific conditions. Organizations must operate within the Greater Seattle area and adhere to eligibility criteria, including budget limits.

The Clinton County Community Foundation, established through the generosity of Jean Sharp Rempe, has grown to over $11 million in assets. This foundation supports local initiatives, benefiting youth, libraries, the elderly, and various community groups. Charities seeking funding must serve Clinton County residents and be recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations by the IRS. The foundation's contributions have significantly enhanced community welfare and development.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin by providing essential funding for transformative projects. This initiative focuses on uniting community resources to foster innovative ideas, strengthen nonprofits, and drive impactful change. With a long-standing commitment to supporting civic engagement, the Fund directs support to where it's most needed, ensuring that communities can thrive even in challenging times.

The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) provides essential funding to cities, townships, and counties for housing, public infrastructure, and commercial rehabilitation projects. Aimed at benefiting low-and-moderate income households, SCDP enhances community viability by facilitating economic opportunities and improving living conditions. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this program offers competitive grants for diverse development needs, with funding caps of $600,000 for single-purpose projects and $1.4 million for comprehensive initiatives.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to foster inclusive spaces where all voices are valued. This grant supports community-driven projects that enhance collaboration and respect among diverse groups, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. It provides funding for program support, operating expenses, and capacity building to ensure lasting impact. By prioritizing equity and community ownership, this initiative seeks transformative change across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports transformative projects in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It aims to enhance community resilience by funding initiatives that foster adaptation and recovery from challenges. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and grassroots organizations focused on equity and sustainability. The grant emphasizes collaborative solutions that address pressing issues like housing stability and food security, ensuring a lasting impact for historically marginalized communities.

The Whipple Foundation Fund Grant, established by Mildred Whipple in 2003, aims to enhance lifelong learning for Douglas County residents. It prioritizes support for reopening libraries, fostering civic engagement, and funding early childhood programs. The grant encourages sustainable community funding and collaboration among various educational initiatives. With a focus on local needs, it accepts applications annually, targeting projects that improve educational access and community involvement.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund aims to promote environmental justice through community forestry initiatives. This grant supports workforce development in forestry, focusing on job training for historically marginalized communities. It encourages partnerships with educational institutions and local organizations to create equitable job opportunities in tree planting and maintenance. The fund is co-led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various community partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach to improve health and sustainability in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Fund for Santa Barbara Grants - Movement Building Grant aims to foster progressive change by empowering grassroots organizations in Santa Barbara County. By focusing on Economic, Environmental, Political, Racial, and Social Justice, the grant supports initiatives that dismantle systemic oppression. It prioritizes funding for groups that engage marginalized communities and promote self-determination. Eligible organizations must align with the FUND's mission and operational guidelines, ensuring impactful contributions to social change.

The Oregon Trail Community Foundation Grant supports projects improving education, wildlife preservation, historical landmarks, the arts, healthcare, and research in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Eligible applicants include public tax-exempt organizations or those working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent. This foundation aims to enhance community welfare through various grants and services, funded by donations and memberships, ultimately fostering the betterment of the local community.

The NJ WorkClean Diesel Modernization Grant Program aims to improve air quality by funding diesel-to-diesel and diesel-to-electric projects. It targets older diesel vehicles and equipment that contribute to air pollution, particularly in overburdened communities. This reimbursement program supports replacing marine engines and non-road diesel vehicles while promoting the electrification of on-road diesel vehicles, such as school buses and garbage trucks, to enhance public health and environmental standards.

The Foley Hoag Foundation Grant supports innovative projects aimed at addressing various forms of inequality in Greater Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Established in 1981, it prioritizes small organizations with annual budgets under $750,000. The Foundation encourages community engagement and collaborations that enhance civil rights and equity. Grants are generally awarded for one year and are designed to create impactful changes in the communities served.

The Klamath River Fund: Catalyst Grants aim to foster community-led climate resilience and restorative justice in the Klamath River Basin. This initiative, part of the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, responds to unique community needs with grants under $10,000. Following significant dam removals in 2023-2024, the program will support restoration efforts, enhance well-being, and promote equity across the region, including partnerships with local tribes and organizations.

The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation aims to combat poverty and promote community development through grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. With a commitment to responsible citizenship, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and environmental services, focusing on areas with significant economic challenges. Since its inception in 1999, it has allocated over $30 million to various charitable causes, fostering self-sufficiency and improving the quality of life for families in Forest County and the Greater Milwaukee area.

The Vineyard Family Foundation

The Vineyard Family Foundation is the product of decades of work across three generations and five states. Having enjoyed the benefits of our hard work and community patronage, the Vineyard family has chosen to provide to others what so many have graciously provided to us. 

What Sets Us Apart

The Vineyard family has always been committed to its communities. Whether supporting Boys & Girls Clubs, pediatric hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, arts organizations, or youth recreation leagues, the family has taken a great interest in the care, health, and education of children and the families that nurture them. We take great pride in personally administering our Foundation’s charitable giving, resulting in fewer expenses and more funding for those organizations aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.

Grants

• Supporting Our Communities and Their Families
• Working Towards the Health, Education, and Overall Well-Being of Parents and Their Children

You are steps away from creating an opportunity to receive full or partial funding of your charitable organization. So that you use your time wisely, we offer the following advice for your efforts:

• As a family foundation, we are prohibited from funding individuals or any entity that is not an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or a Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) support organization. Thus, while we cannot award a scholarship to an individual, we can fund a 501(c)(3) charity that provides such scholarships.

• If you qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a support organization pursuant to Section 509(a)(1-3), we will need the IRS Determination Letter confirming as much, as well as a statement signed by your organization’s President or Chief Executive Officer verifying that your organization’s purposes, structure, and operations have not changed substantially since the date of the IRS’s Determination Letter.

• If you are a “supporting organization” under IRS Code section 509(a)(1-3), please provide a list of the public charities that you support. Please also advise whether you are a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization. If you are a Type III supporting organization, please advise whether you are “functionally integrated” with your supported public charity and provide an explanation of that relationship.

Supported Charities

The Vineyard family has historically provided funding for family-related charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, pediatric hospitals, autism-related organizations, and youth recreational leagues. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this support and extending itself to educational, research, and cultural experiences that focus on the needs of children and their parents.

The Reser Family Foundation's Midsize Grant Program supports organizations in Oregon with annual budgets over $1.2 million. Grants range from $12,500 to $50,000 and prioritize innovative projects in Education, Health, Arts, and Environment. Eligible applicants must be established 501(c)(3) organizations for over three years and demonstrate community impact. Applications require a letter of support and collaboration with funding partners. The foundation does not fund organizations involved in active litigation or one-time events.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

The Guilford Foundation Competitive Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Guilford by supporting 501(c)3 organizations and governmental agencies. Its focus areas include arts, education, and human services. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address community needs, foster collaboration, and build organizational capacity. Applications from previous grantees are welcomed, but continued funding is not guaranteed. Priority is given to basic needs and community strengthening initiatives for 2024, ensuring impactful support for vulnerable populations.

The CAL FIRE Business and Workforce Development initiative aims to foster a sustainable wood products industry in California. It supports projects that enhance business and workforce development in areas such as wood processing, bioenergy, and forest management. This program encourages the adoption of clean technologies and innovative practices, ultimately striving to create resilient forests and a skilled workforce that can contribute to the state's ecological and economic health.

The Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program, established by Margaret Furchak Ferko, aims to address critical community gaps affecting women and families in Erie County. With an annual grant budget of approximately $30,000, it supports projects in areas such as transportation, healthcare, workforce training, housing, childcare, and food insecurity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, while for-profit and certain other projects are excluded. This initiative is a vital resource for community development.

The BCF Community Grant offers funding opportunities for organizations that support the growth of children, youth, and families in Benton County. With a cap of $10,000, grants can be requested for programs in arts, human services, education, and community betterment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and others serving the county. However, funding is not available for discriminatory practices or private individuals. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare and development.

The MetroWest Human Services Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for MetroWest, aims to build strong families and communities by providing general operating grants to organizations serving underrepresented individuals. In 2023, priority will be given to those assisting low-income households, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations such as immigrants and the disabled. This initiative strives to eliminate barriers to essential resources, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents in the MetroWest region.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship

The purpose of the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship is to provide scholarships to college bound high school students, or students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies or pursuing post-graduate studies in general history or a specialty area of studies in history to include but not limited to; museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, material culture, American Studies, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history or preservation technology; or to students pursuing a recognized certification or apprentice program dedicated to traditional arts, industries, trades or crafts.

The Scholarship amount is $1,000.

New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Grant

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission invites tribes, local units of government, non-profits and units of state and federal agencies operating within New Mexico to submit proposals for YCC projects.

The NYC Green Fund Grassroots Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives in NYC's parks and open spaces, promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship. It offers funding for projects focused on youth development, health and wellness, arts, and organizational capacity-building. Eligible applicants include community organizations with annual budgets under $175,000 that demonstrate a connection to the communities they serve. Grants can range from $1,000 to $40,000 for one- or two-year commitments, fostering equitable public green spaces across all five boroughs.

Georgia Department of Community Health

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia’s four health agencies serving the state’s growing population of over 10 million people.

DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, and also oversees the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and State Office of Rural Health, impacting one in four Georgians.

Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.

GREAT Health Program

Description

Georgia’s Rural Enhancement And Transformation of Health (GREAT Health) program will bring about a transformation of health in rural Georgia. Achieving this vision means rural populations are healthier, live longer, have an improved quality of life, and can both live and work in the communities they love; rural places have healthcare that is high quality, more abundant, more accessible, and more effective; and rural progress creates systems-level change that leverages technology, drives innovation, and improves quality, while maintaining a patient focus.

The GREAT Health program will do this through five initiatives:

• Transforming for a Sustainable Health System
• Strengthening the Continuum of Care
• Connecting to Care to Improve Healthcare Access
• Growing a Highly Skilled Healthcare Workforce
• Leveraging Technology for Healthcare Innovation

Who Can Participate?

Georgia has 126 rural and partial rural counties designated as the program’s areas of focus, based on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) rural grants eligibility analyzer. Healthcare facilities and organizations serving these counties will be eligible to apply for funding through the program’s initiatives. Visit the list of eligible counties.

In addition to the 126 eligible rural and partial rural counties, 93 hospitals serving these rural areas and with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) designations of Critical Access Hospitals, Sole Community Hospitals, or Rural Referral Centers, were invited to participate in Initiative 1 and its associated value-based care model. Visit the Value-Based Care page to learn more.