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Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.

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Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

National Federation Of The Blind Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honor individuals and organizations that are a positive force in the lives of blind people.

Applicants for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards must demonstrate exemplary leadership and extraordinary accomplishments in improving the lives of blind people in the United States.

An application for an award can be made either by the applicant directly or by third parties who nominate an applicant.

Each application requires an essay describing the work or project to be recognized. In addition, applications must have at least one letter of recommendation in support of the nominee.

The National Federation of the Blind determines the total amount available for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards each year based on the trust income received. The number of awards and the amount of each award will be determined by the NFB’s Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee based on its evaluation of eligible and deserving applicants.

Each year, to the extent feasible as determined by the committee’s evaluation of applications received, one or more awards will be made to applicants in each category: blind individuals, sighted individuals, and corporate or organizational entities. However, the committee is not bound to make an award in each category during each competition year and may not do so if an application meeting the selection criteria is not available.

Sponsored by the Alfred & Rosalind Perlman Trust. Presented by the National Federation of the Blind.

Vision Impairment Care & Services

Dunham Foundation Sponsorship Requests

Dunham Foundation
Private
DuPage County, Illinois, Kane County, Illinois +1 more
Unspecified amount

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

  • Education
  • Economic Growth
  • Community 

Dunham Foundation Sponsorship Requests

We accept grant requests for event sponsorships on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. We recommend submitting your application at least 60 days prior to your event to allow sufficient time for Board of Directors review.

Request aligns with any of our priority areas and supports a fundraising event, such as an annual gala, golf outing, 5K, etc..

At the conclusion of the fundraising event, we ask that you submit a brief report outlining the results.

Education Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Erik M. Skjodt Scholarship

Samerian Foundation Inc
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount

Samerian Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Samerian Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the vision of Cindy and Paul Skjodt, the founders. They seek to enhance the quality of life by providing funds through a grant making process for education, economic development, health, youth sports, community organizations meeting the needs of the underserved, and humanitarian projects.

Though the Samerian Foundation primarily serves Central Indiana, it has taken part in some international endeavors and have reached outside the state on special projects.

The Samerian Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Skjodt’s generosity. To date, they have granted 2,105 requests of nearly $93.4 million.

The Samerian Foundation is lovingly named after Cindy and Paul’s children, Samantha, Erik, and Ian, who serve on the board.

Erik M. Skjodt Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who wish to pursue a degree in business at Indiana University. Applicants must be a current high school senior who will be attending the Kelley School of Business at any Indiana University campus. 

Education - Higher Education Business Education

Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. Dorothy, a noteworthy person in her own right, designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family.

The Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Memorial Scholarship honors Dorothy’s sister’s work at the former Silver Street Elementary School.

Well educated, Dorothy was a 1936 graduate of Marion Harding High School and attended Hunter College, and Indiana, East Carolina, and Toledo universities. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 and had a naval career which spanned 30 years. Dorothy worked at the selective service board from 1943-1955 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Depot until its closing in 1961. She retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center in 1979.

Her civic involvements mirrored her military career. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a Plank-Owner of the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial Association and Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association for Retired Persons, the American and Marion County Historical societies, Marion Senior Citizens and Central Christian Church of Marion.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Veterans and War Memorials Grant

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
State/Local Government
Oregon
US $10,000 - US $70,000

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. Its vision is to take the long view to protect Oregon's special places and provide the greatest experience while creating stable future funding.

The department was created as a branch of the Highway Department in 1921. The 1989 Legislature created a separate Parks and Recreation Department, effective in 1990. State park user fees, Oregon Lottery dollars, and recreation vehicle license fees are the main fund sources for department activities.

Veterans and War Memorials Grant

The Veterans and War Memorials Grant Program was created and authorized by House Bill 2739 during the 73rd Oregon legislative assembly in 2005. It created opportunities for organizations to receive grant funds to construct or restore veterans and war memorials on public property pursuant to ORS 390.180(1)(d) and Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 736, Division 17. The OPRD was designated as the state department to administer this grant program. Funding for this program comes from the OPRD budget.

The Veterans’ and War Memorials Grant Program provides funding assistance to local governments for the construction and restoration of veterans’ and war memorials. There is approximately $300,000 available for this program. Grant amounts are generally between $10,000 and $70,000. Grant funds are let on a biannual basis in January of odd-numbered years, subject to availability of funds.

Community Culture & Heritage Military & Veterans Services

BHFSA Community Impact Grants

Baptist Health Foundation Of San Antonio
Private
Atascosa County, Texas, Bandera County, Texas +6 more
US $3,000 - US $12,000

Mission

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio is committed to honoring God and our Baptist heritage by fostering and funding health initiatives in our community.

Grantmaking

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio provides grants to around 100 nonprofits each year, supporting a wide range of organizations, from community food pantries to churches and medical facilities. At BHFSA, we deeply value the opportunity to foster long-lasting relationships and grow our understanding of the challenges affecting the residents of our service area.

BHFSA Community Impact Grants

Small organizations do big things and are incredibly valuable in our community. Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio recognizes this and provides Community Impact Grants of up to $12,000 to support smaller initiatives and organizations that have a large impact on community health.

Specific Grant Requirements

  • The organization must have had less than $250,000 in actual revenue during the most recently completed fiscal year (Churches are exempt from this requirement);
  • The organization must have an annual operating budget of at least $15,000 (for the fiscal year that includes July 1, 2026);
  • The application amount must not exceed 20 percent of the organization’s total actual revenue in the most recently completed fiscal year;
  • The application amount must fall in the range of $3,000-$12,000; and
  • Organizations that received a Community Impact Grant in the most recent grant year may apply, but preference will be given to organizations that have not recently received funding from the Foundation.

Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

PLTW Launch - New Program (3M)

Project Lead the Way inc.
Private
Greenville County, South Carolina, Hennepin County, Minnesota +5 more
US $10,000
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) provides innovative, hands-on learning experiences for students in PreK-5, fostering confidence and career readiness. With support from 3M, PLTW Launch aims to enhance STEM education by increasing exposure, supporting experiential learning, and improving teaching quality. This partnership ensures that students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, empowering the next generation of leaders in science and technology.
Education - Preschool / Early Learning STEM / STEAM Education

Abbreviated Grants ($50,000 or less)

Dunham Foundation
Private
DuPage County, Illinois, Kane County, Illinois +1 more
Up to US $50,000

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

  • Education
  • Economic Growth
  • Community 

Abbreviated Grants ($50,000 or less)

We accept grant requests through online submissions on a rolling basis during the calendar year.

At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.

Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.

If your request aligns with our Economic Growth or Community priority areas and does not exceed $50,000, you may submit an application through the grant portal. 

Education Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships: LAA Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors whose parents have been active members for at least three years. These scholarships can be applied to both two-year and four-year colleges or trade schools, supporting students with a minimum GPA of 2.50. For the 2024-2025 school year, a record $850,000 was awarded to 245 students, showcasing the foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Site Development Grants

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
State/Local Government
Tennessee
US $100,000 - US $5,000,000

Site Development Grants

With funding approved through the legislature for the Rural Economic Opportunity Fund, TNECD is investing in site development grants. This grant opportunity will improve many of TNECD’s nationally recognized Select Tennessee certified sites and prepare other sites to achieve certification.

Funding

  • Site Development Grant Maximum: $5,000,000
  • Due Diligence Site Development Grant Maximum: $100,000
Rural Development

Betsy Mulliken Award for Philanthropy

Fremont Area Community Foundation (NE)
Private
Dodge County, Nebraska
Unspecified amount

Fremont Area Community Foundation

The mission of the Fremont Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Fremont area by connecting donor interests with community needs and serving as a leader and catalyst in the development of solutions. Since 1980, generous donors in the Fremont and surrounding areas have invested their charitable dollars to be transformed, through careful stewardship and deep community knowledge, into positive local impact. Over $20 million in grants has been given through the Foundation.

The Fremont Area Community Foundation focuses its grant dollars in five interest areas including arts and culture, civic improvements, education, health and recreation and social services. Field of Interest Funds are also available in these areas to give donors the option to focus their charitable giving in a specific interest area.

As nonprofit organizations, local governments and businesses strive to tackle issues of concern, the Fremont Area Community Foundation collaborates with other organizations in the community to work toward a common goal. Through these collaborations, community partners leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.

Betsy Mulliken Award for Philanthropy

The purpose of the Betsy Mulliken Award for Philanthropy is to honor community members who have made an impact in our community through volunteerism or philanthropy. It is named after Betsy Mulliken who served as executive director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation for from 1998-2006 and shared a strong commitment of giving back to the Fremont area.

Award Criteria

  • Activities for which the recipient is being recognized must directly benefit the Fremont area and its citizens.
  • The recipient’s service must be voluntary.
  • The recipient cannot be a current member of the Fremont Area Community Foundation Board of Directors or staff.
  • The recipient must be someone who has distinguished him or herself as a philanthropic leader whether through volunteerism, financial resources or both.
  • The award may be given to an individual, family or company and can be awarded posthumously.
  • The recipient will be selected by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors of the Fremont Area Community Foundation.

The Board will approve the selection and the winner will be announced at the upcoming Annual Dinner of the Fremont Area Community Foundation.

Volunteerism & Philanthropy

Slotman Family Scholarship

Community Foundation Of The Holland Zeeland Area
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Slotman Family Scholarship

  • Graduating senior or non-traditional student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
  • Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within Michigan
  • Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
  • GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • Answer the following two-part question in a 3,400-character or less essay: What is your motivation for attending college and how are you being supported in this endeavor? What barriers to completing your education do you anticipate and how will you overcome them?
  • Top priority given to first-generation college students.
  • Priority given to students of color
  • Potentially renewable for three additional years. Top priority given to first-generation college students. Priority given to students of color
  • This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Harry Elbe Memorial Scholarship

John Wood Community College Foundation
Association/Society
Adams County, Illinois
US $750

Harry Elbe Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

  • $750

This endowed scholarship honors the late Harry Elbe, a well-known high school basketball and baseball coach. Coach Elbe devoted much of his life to helping students and athletes develop and grow physically and emotionally on and off the playing field. This award is open to all student-athletes.

Education - Higher Education Sports & Athletics

Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship

North Georgia Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $750

Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $750 will be offered.

Education - Higher Education First Responders

Teachers Accelerating Learning Grant

Iowa Department of Education
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $15,000

Iowa Department of Education

The Department provides oversight to the state education system that includes PK-12 public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs. The Department works to remove barriers for pursuing education beyond high school. The Department also establishes and enforces rigorous standards and licensing for Iowa educational practitioners to effectively address the needs of students.  

Teachers Accelerating Learning Grant

The Teachers Accelerating Learning grant opportunity was created for districts to develop measures of teacher effectiveness and recognize teachers who significantly accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth with supplementary pay. This grant opportunity is open to public school districts.

Participating districts commit to:

  • Develop systems to identify and recognize teachers who accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth based on transparent and objective qualitative and quantitative metrics.
  • Develop a methodology for recognizing highly effective teachers, which must include the EVAAS growth measure for grades 4-8: Review, update and validate classroom EVAAS rosters for ISASP-tested grades and subjects; Participate in training on the EVAAS system, reports, and classroom rostering.
  • Offer supplementary teacher pay for up to 25% of teachers who significantly accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth.

Funding & Use

Awards support supplementary teacher pay for two years who demonstrably accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth.

  • Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total award. 95% of the total award must support supplementary teacher pay.
  • Max per teacher amount: $15,000 total: Teacher is defined as instructional staff, including teachers, instructional coaches, and interventionists.
Teacher Development & Training Academic Success & Enrichment

Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Iowa
Up to US $1,000

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program

The Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program (WRAC) is available for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa's lakes and streams. Projects can include:

  • Boat ramps
  • Loading/off-loading docks
  • Other structures to enhance use by the public

The project must have a cost share eligible estimate of $1,000. The application must be submitted and approved prior to expenditure of funds by the local sponsor or it is ineligible.

Funding Possibilities

Approved projects are funded on a 75% state to 25% local cost share. If a political subdivision is managing DNR property under a long term agreement, the funding can be 100% state. 

Sponsors wishing to furnish their own equipment and labor can receive 100% of the cost of materials for the project. 

If federal match dollars are available, the awardee will be notified as construction or design work funded through the grant cannot start until after the beginning of the federal fiscal year which starts annually on October 1. Design, permitting, and bid letting can be completed prior to October 1 if no funding is requested for those actions.

Recreational Water Use & Boating

Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Grant

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
State/Local Government
Vermont
US $10,000

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Farm Agronomic Practices Program

Program Overview

The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program provides Vermont farms with grants to install soil conservation practices. 

Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per calendar year [January 1- December 31]. There is no competitive review process: funding is awarded in the order that applications are received. 

Applying does not guarantee that you will receive funding.

The FAP program also provides farms and service providers with Agronomic Training grants to attend trainings on agricultural water quality regulations and/or the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality. 

Practices that are installed before applying to FAP cannot be reimbursed.

Practice Requirements and Payment Rates

1) Cover Crop

Payment Rate: $55 per acre if planted before Oct 1, or $40 per acre if planted before Oct 10.

Practice Requirements: Cover Crop payment supports annual cropland to be planted to cover crops for erosion protection during the non-growing season. All cover crops must be seeded at highest recommended rate to provide effective soil coverage and minimize nutrient runoff during the non-growing season. “Early” cover crops must be planted prior to October 1 and may be planted using any method. Regular season cover crops must be planted prior to October 10 and must be drilled or incorporated. Cover crops planted after October 10 will not be reimbursed.

2) Crop to Hay Rotation

Payment Rate: $60 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Crop to Hay payment supports annual crop land to be seeded down into perennial forages for pasture or hay production as part of a crop rotation. This practice does not apply to the establishment of annually planted and harvested food, fiber, or oilseed crops. Fields are only eligible for payment in the year they are seeded down. Nurse crops such as oats, barley, or peas are recommended to quickly establish soil cover and protect the crop during the early stages of establishment. Planting method and seeding rate must be appropriate for the seed type and provide full soil coverage.

3) Rotational Grazing

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Rotational grazing payment supports well managed rotational grazing of perennial pastures with ruminant livestock. Livestock must be rotated at least twice per week and excluded from surface water, and at least three inches residual vegetation must be maintained after grazing. Livestock access to surface water at well-managed discrete watering areas and livestock crossings are allowable only when no other available options exist. Grazing plans, grazing maps, and records that indicate livestock are rotated at least twice per week to adequately rested pastures are required. Land planted to annual crops within the past year or land cleared of forest within the last five years are not eligible.

4) No Till Crop Planting

Payment Rate: $15 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: No Till payment supports the planting of annual crops without the use of tillage. A minimum of 30 percent of the soil surface must be covered by uniformly distributed plant residue after planting. There must not be any full-width soil disturbance performed from the time immediately following harvest or termination of one cash crop through harvest or termination of the next cash crop in the rotation, regardless of the depth of the tillage operation. Full-width harrowing, chisel plowing, field cultivating, tandem disking, or vertical tillage is not allowable under this practice. Cover crop planting must be drilled or broadcast, not otherwise incorporated. Manure injection with soil surface closure at time of injection is allowable under this practice.

5) No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation payment supports the use of no-till drill equipment and/or frost seeding to improve pastures and/or hayland without the use of tillage. Planting method should provide reasonable expectation of seed to soil contact. Seeding rates must provide full soil coverage and be adequate to accomplish improvement of forage/stands in pasture and hayland. Frost seeding must occur on non-snow-covered ground in March or April and include legumes in seed mix.

6) Manure Injection

Payment Rate: $30 per acre. 

Practice Requirements: Manure Injection payment supports subsurface injection including disk, shank, and grassland manure injection, injected below soil surface with a single implement. Chisel plowing or disk harrowing fields within two weeks of practice installation is not allowable. All injection must follow manure application standards of the Vermont Required Agricultural Practices rule including application of nutrients within agronomic recommendations.

Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology

David M. Martin Scholarship

North Georgia Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

David M. Martin Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the E. E. Butler Class of 1969 in memory of David M. Martin, the son of David Jerome Martin and Cornelia Martin.

The scholarship is awarded every other year, based on financial need, to an African American student who is either a graduating senior or currently enrolled in college and pursuing or planning to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. Eligible applicants must also be descendants of any student who attended the historic Fair Street School or E. E. Butler High School in Gainesville-Hall County between 1936 and 1969.

David M. Martin loved computer science and had a lifelong passion for the latest technology. In honor of this, preference will be given to students who share an interest in computer technology and who are majoring in fields such as Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Security and/or Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Informatics.

The 2026 scholarship award will be $1,000.

Education - Higher Education STEM / STEAM Education

Northeast SARE: Partnership Grant Program

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
Federal Government
Connecticut, Delaware +11 more
US $30,000
The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.
Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology

Rural Infrastructure Fund

Florida Commerce
State/Local Government
Baker County, Florida, Bradford County, Florida +29 more
Up to US $300,000

Rural Infrastructure Fund

The Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) facilitates planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation, capital investment and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies. RIF funds are often used by rural communities as a match for other infrastructure funding programs, such as those offered by the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant, United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, and the United States Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 RIF Available Funding

A total of $27 million in funding is available through RIF for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027. Funding in the amount of $22 million is available for eligible rural communities statewide. Additionally, $5 million is available to Panhandle Specific counties including Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington.

Up to $300,000 can be awarded for infrastructure feasibility studies, design and engineering activities, or other infrastructure planning and preparation activities.

  • Projects located outside a Rural Area of Opportunity - $75,000 with 50% local funds match.
  • Projects located within a Rural Area of Opportunity - $300,000
  • Projects located within a catalyst site (as defined in Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes): maximum amounts same as above. Local funds match requirements may be waived pursuant to the process in Section 288.06561, Florida Statutes.
Rural Development

Edith S. Zanker Memorial Park School, Inc Fund

El Paso Community Foundation
Private
El Paso County, Texas
Unspecified amount

About

Since its founding in 1977, the El Paso Community Foundation has awarded more than $249,142,042 in grants to nonprofit organizations and individuals in the greater El Paso region. We constantly look for innovative approaches to solve community problems and to meet our community’s ever evolving needs.

The El Paso Community Foundation and its supporting organizations respond to the needs of nonprofit organizations by providing grants in the greater El Paso region.

Edith S. Zanker Memorial Park School, Inc Fund

This grant supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Granting Areas of Interest:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • Environment/Animals
  • Health and Disabilities
  • Human Services (basic human needs)
  • Economic Development

Granting Priorities

  • Projects that will result in more effective ways of doing things — ideas that require risk-taking
  • Projects that can create an impact with a moderate amount of grant money
  • Projects that show collaboration with other organizations
Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

Small Community Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Program

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
State/Local Government
Nevada
Unspecified amount

Small Community Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Program

The State of Nevada offers a grant program to help small communities pay for important drinking water infrastructure. This program was created by state law to support capital projects that are needed to meet requirements set by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

This program is designed to close the gap between what a project costs and what a community can afford. Communities are expected to contribute as much as they reasonably can before requesting state assistance. For larger projects, the community must finance as much of the work as possible at the local level, with the grant helping to cover the remaining need.

The grant program helps fund projects that improve drinking water systems and meet state and federal drinking water standards. Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Building or upgrading water treatment facilities, intake structures, pumping plants, and transmission lines
  • Replacing leaking water lines
  • Replacing small pipelines to maintain water pressure during peak use
  • Connecting dead end water lines to improve system circulation
  • Rehabilitating springs to meet treatment rules
  • Adding or replacing wells and pumps to improve water quality or provide backup supplies
  • Repairing or replacing storage tanks to fix leaks or structural issues
  • Installing water meters
  • Adding fire hydrants
  • Improving irrigation efficiency by lining canals, recovering or reusing water, or improving storage
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP)

University of Maryland
Private
Maryland
Up to US $5,500

Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP)

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps Maryland retain top tech talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships offered in the state. Administered by UMBC and funded by the State of Maryland, the program offers financial assistance to small businesses, start-ups, non-profits and state and local agencies, to hire more interns.

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps the State of Maryland retain top talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships across the region. The program incentivizes state and local agencies and technology-based businesses to hire more interns by subsidizing salary costs and providing additional support.

Since 2018, MTIP has funded over 1,200 technical internships, primarily in smaller Maryland businesses, across Biohealth & Life Sciences, Engineering, IT/Software Solutions, Cybersecurity, and Manufacturing. More than 83% of MTIP interns assert that they plan to stay in the state for their first job post-graduation. In addition, 98% of employers report that MTIP interns made significant contributions to their business growth and organizational improvements.

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs STEM / STEAM Education

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation
Private
Ohio, United States
US $5,000 - US $10,000

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

Education - Higher Education STEM / STEAM Education

Mark Higley Memorial Scholarship

John Wood Community College Foundation
Association/Society
Adams County, Illinois
US $500

Mark Higley Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $500

This endowed award was established in memory of Mark Higley. This scholarship is open to all student-athletes.

Education - Higher Education Sports & Athletics

Reforestation of Timberlands Program

Virginia Department of Forestry
State/Local Government
Virginia
Unspecified amount

Reforestation of Timberlands Program

Trees are good for you and good for Virginia. In addition to their monetary value, trees provide useful wood, jobs and homes for wildlife. Trees hold the soil, yield fresh air, and are simply beautiful. If you have land (cutover land or worn out fields) that just aren’t producing for you, an investment in pine trees can yield many benefits.

The Reforestation of Timberlands (RT) Program, managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry, provides cost-share assistance to landowners for pine reforestation, and is funded by the forest industry in Virginia (Virginia Forest Products Tax) with matching funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Fund.

The program has been helping Virginia landowners grow pines for more than 50 years. It can cost between $100 to $250 per acre to put in a crop of pines. The RT program reimburses landowners for a portion of the costs associated with getting pines started right. Your DOF forester can help you identify and apply for the forest management practices that are best suited for your property.

Environmental Conservation

Section 6 Competitive ("Nontraditional") Grants

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount
The Section 6 Competitive (Nontraditional) Grants program, administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, supports habitat conservation through three grant types: Planning Assistance, Land Acquisition under Habitat Conservation Plans, and Recovery Land Acquisition. Since 2004, over $110 million has been allocated to more than 225 projects, benefiting 450 species. The program also funds 6 to 9 Traditional grants annually and 0 to 4 Nontraditional grants, with varying request for proposals each year.
Land / Habitat Conservation

Operating Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.


Search Instrumentl's Operating Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.34B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Next update: December 6, 2026.

Grant Insights : Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Youth Services

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.7%
Q2
24.7%
Q3
23.5%
Q4
22.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $32,500.

$0 $0 Min.
$32,500 $32.5 K Median
$633,837 $633.8 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.7% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.

Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $32,500, while the average grant awarded is $633,837. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.

To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:

  • Showcase past impact – Use data and real-world examples to prove how your organization has already made a difference.
  • Prove how you align with funder priorities – Research what funders care about and explain how your nonprofit’s mission fits within their goals.
  • Prove financial stability – Funders want to support organizations that can manage funds responsibly and have a solid sustainability plan for the long-term.
  • Emphasize lasting growth – Describe how operating funds will help your nonprofit expand its reach, strengthen programs, and increase its overall impact.

For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.