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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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$6K

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The Penn Play Award

LR Penn
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount

LRPenn.com is home to the novels, plays, and screenplays of LR Penn. His books specializes in Thrillers, Dramatic Comedies, and Film Noir. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grants may be available to nonprofit theater companies in the United States with 501(c)(3) status that are staging productions of plays written by LR Penn.  

Theater

Utah Boating Recreation Grant

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
State/Local Government
Utah
Up to US $500,000

The Utah Boating Recreation Grant provides funding to improve public boating access, safety, and infrastructure across Utah’s waterways. This program is funded by Utah boating registration fees and dedicated state funds to improving recreational boating opportunities.

As Utah’s population grows and water levels fluctuate and change because of drought, demand for safe and reliable boating access continues to increase. The UBRG helps communities maintain and improve access points, reduce congestion and support safe recreation on Utah's lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Funding may be used for projects that improve boating access, infrastructure, shoreline protection and on-the-water safety.

Recreational Water Use & Boating

MSU Staff Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Gallatin County, Montana
Unspecified amount

MSU Staff Scholarship

Award

  • Varies

Supplemental Questions

  • Will you be a Professional or Classified staff at MSU with an FTE of 0.75 or higher though out the proposed enrollment period?
  • What is your proposed enrollment period?
  • If awarded, what MUS institution is the applicant enrolled?
  • Major/Area of Interest
  • Submit a 500–750 word personal statement detailing your educational background, major, and academic achievements, along with your involvement in campus and community activities. Explain your plan for completing your degree, your short- and long-term career goals, and how your education will empower you to give back to your community through mentorship, service, advocacy, or professional work. Provide specific examples to illustrate your experiences, aspirations, and the impact you hope to make.
Teacher Development & Training Education - Higher Education

Continued Access in Underserved Communities Pilot Program

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $3,000,000

New Jersey Department of Health

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges. The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission: Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Continued Access in Underserved Communities Pilot Program

Purpose and Background

On January 20th, 2026, Governor Murphy approved P.L. 2025, c.402, “An Act establishing a ‘Continued Access in Underserved Communities Pilot Program,’ supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation.” The purpose of this act is to ensure continued access to care for patients residing in underserved areas. Grant funds shall be used to provide financial assistance to cover some of the costs associated with maintaining certain services at the original location when relocating. 

Patient Care & Services

Party Parade Fund Grant

Charlottesville Area Community Foundation
Private
Albemarle County, Virginia, Buckingham County, Virginia +6 more
Up to US $6,000

About

We are committed to centering the experiences of those who are most impacted by the issues our region faces, and to widening access to our resources (both monetary and non-monetary) to ensure they are distributed equitably.

Our Mission

As a community-centered, equity forward institution, our mission is to improve the quality of life for those negatively impacted by inequitable systems across our region, so that we can be a region in which everyone can belong, participate, contribute, and thrive.

Our Approach

The Community Foundation, in collaboration with donors and community-based organizations, facilitates effective and impactful grant making, philanthropy, scholarships, and other forms of non-monetary support while being responsive to the ever-changing needs of our region.

Party Parade Fund

Grants to organizations for projects in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area, and surrounding counties, for innovative and continuing projects designed to meet the needs of children or adults in the community.

Volunteerism & Philanthropy

Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund Grant

Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
Unspecified amount

Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund

Rhode Island Commerce’s Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund awards grants on a competitive basis for improvements to our state’s commercial districts. This program encourages private-public partnerships to enhance streetscapes in Rhode Island’s local business districts. 

The program offers funding in two categories:

Physical / Streetscape Improvements

These investments aim to strengthen Rhode Island’s small business environment, fostering growth and attracting events to main street and downtown districts. This includes projects such as signage, lighting, façade and sidewalk improvements. 

Municipal Technical Assistance  

Program funds may be used towards technical assistance to support future physical improvements to streetscape project. This includes support in areas such as project planning, engineering, design and environmental assessment. The new added support from technical assistance will expand eligible projects and contribute to the success and sustainability of our streetscape improvement projects.   

Public Infrastructure

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports past or current Illinois residents who are either accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a full-time student at an approved college of medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preference is given to female applicants and current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship

North Georgia Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500

Flight Medic Phil Hart 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, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communication officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Education - Higher Education First Responders

Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship

Davey O’Brien Foundation
Association/Society
Collin County, Texas, Dallas County, Texas +8 more
Up to US $50,000

The Davey O’Brien Foundation

Davey O’Brien’s longtime friend and business partner, Charles Ringler, believed that the accomplishments and commitment of one of Fort Worth’s finest sports heroes deserved to be honored and remembered. In November 1977, just before O’Brien passed away from cancer, Ringler and other members of The Fort Worth Club established the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy.

The purpose of the Davey O’Brien Foundation is to recognize outstanding student-athletes for their achievements both on and off the field through the Foundation’s various awards programs. Since 1977, the Foundation has given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

Each year at it’s annual dinner, the Davey O’Brien Foundation honors and recognizes winners of the four awards it oversees: the National Quarterback Award, the Legends Award, the Charles Ringler Founders Award, and the High School Scholarship Award.

The Davey O’Brien Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in downtown Fort Worth.

Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award

The Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship award is open to all high school seniors attending an accredited public or private high school in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise County. Each school may nominate only one student through a process determined by the school. 

Recipients are chosen on the basis of:

  • Character
  • Community Service
  • Leadership
  • Varsity Sport Participation

Education - Higher Education Sports & Athletics

Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation: Camp Moshava Scholarship

Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Private
Waushara County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount

Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation: Camp Moshava Scholarship

The Joshua Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to Minnesota residents who wish to attend Camp Moshava Wild Rose in Wisconsin, a religious Zionist camp sponsored by Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada for the purpose of furthering the educational and ideological goals of Bnei Akiva. Priority for scholarships will be given to those with financial needs. 

Jewish Culture

AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Association/Society
United States
US $1,000 - US $2,000
The AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship honors the legacy of A.T. Anderson, a founder of AISES. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at accredited institutions who are members of AISES and demonstrate tribal affiliation. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and pursue any STEM degree. Enrollment documents are required to confirm eligibility, promoting educational opportunities for Native American students.
Education - Higher Education STEM / STEAM Education

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship

North Georgia Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles 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, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Education - Higher Education First Responders

Barn Preservation Grant Program

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
State/Local Government
Vermont
Unspecified amount

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.

Historic Preservation Barn Grants

Established in 1992, the State-funded Barn Preservation Grant program helps individuals, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate the historic agricultural buildings that are a symbol of Vermont’s rural landscape. This is the oldest state-funded agricultural-based grant program in the United States.

Since its inception, the program has provided over $5 million towards the preservation of over 525 historic barns and agricultural outbuildings around the state. Preservation of these buildings not only protects Vermont's agricultural and architectural legacies, but it also generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increase civic participation, and bolsters a community's sense of place while enhancing the experience of visitors.

This is a reimbursement grant program. Grant recipients are responsible for paying for the full amount of the project. The state will then reimburse grant recipients once work is complete and paid for.

Agriculture Historic Preservation

Ski Racing Safety Equipment Grant

Kelly S Brush Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

KBF Ski Racing Safety

The KBF helps alpine ski clubs around the country purchase safety equipment like netting and padding, and also contributes to venue improvement initiatives. Funding requests are reviewed through an annual grant cycle with an application process. Over the past decade, the Kelly Brush Foundation has purchased thousands of rolls of b-netting, supported trail widening projects, and helped with the purchase of other safety equipment. 

KBF Ski Racing Safety Equipment Grants are all matching grants–meaning that any grant awarded by the Kelly Brush Foundation will need to be matched by the ski club. We expect that clubs will join us in making safety a priority by fundraising or finding room in their budget for safety.

Snow Sports

Towers Family Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +5 more
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Towers Family Fund

The Towers Family Fund was created to honor Karen Towers who was an art teacher for West Aurora School District #129 for 36 years. Karen passed away on December 17, 2016 at the age of 79. She was a passionate art teacher who believed that everyone could create art. Karen loved teaching and helping students find their creativity and artistic side. Karen loved to share her love and knowledge of cultures and creating with others. She believed that you could be an artist and a lawyer when you grow up, you don’t have to choose.

Karen was involved in her community of Aurora with the Aurora Historical Society as past President and board member and the Aurora Public Art Commission as a board member. Karen’s teaching accomplishments were varied; teaching in 6 decades (1959-2000), Kane County Educator of the Year nominee, Golden Apple for District #129 recipient, Y.W.C.A Woman of Distinction nominee, P.T.A. member and many more.

The Karen Towers Art Scholarship was created in her honor to help future art teachers reach their dreams.

Education - Higher Education Art Education

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program - Public Service Award

The NRA Foundation, Inc
Private
United States
US $1,000

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered. 

Public Service Awards

The Public Service Award is presented to the individual who has most generously volunteered their time and services on behalf of the shooting sports. The recipient of this award is instrumental in promoting the objectives of the NRA on a NATIONAL level or whose activities have had NATIONAL impact.

All Club Award recipients receive:

  • A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
  • A free year of club membership
  • $1,000 award
Sport Shooting

NRA Law Enforcement Instructor Of The Year

The NRA Foundation, Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Law Enforcement Instructor Of The Year

The recipient is selected by NRA Law Enforcement Division staff and must be a currently certified NRA Law Enforcement Firearm Instructor. The winner will receive a plaque and a firearm, donated by Smith & Wesson, in recognition for this achievement.

Police & Law Enforcement

Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant

Iowa Arts Council
State/Local Government
Iowa
Unspecified amount

Iowa Arts Council 

The Iowa Arts Council empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by cultivating creativity, learning and participation in the arts.

Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant

The Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant ensures the continuation of cultural practices throughout Iowa by supporting teams of mentor artists and apprentices who are committed to sustaining artistic traditions and cultural heritage.

Background

The Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Through the program, IEDA provides support to teams of mentor artists and apprentices who are committed to sustaining artistic traditions and cultural heritage. The program helps to ensure the continuation of cultural practices throughout Iowa.

The program is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature to IEDA and a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must comply with federal requirements, including but not limited to 2 CFR Part 200.   Operating and grant policies and definitions set out at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 305 and rules pertaining to organization and operation of the Iowa Arts Council found at 261 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 304 apply to the program. Additional eligibility requirements and priorities are set out in these guidelines published by IEDA.

Applicants commit to spending at least 100 hours of one-on-one time together during the program year. There will need to be a public event at the end of the apprenticeship year providing the apprentice an opportunity to demonstrate their work. 

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Folk Art / Traditional Art

Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $18,000

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship

Dr. Henry Ransom Cecil McBay (May 29, 1914 – 1995) was an American chemist renowned for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. He received numerous awards for his commitment to encouraging disadvantaged students to pursue careers in the chemical sciences, including the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences.

The Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship is open to faculty members at UNCF member institutions and supports faculty-led research conducted in partnership with a student researcher or intern.

The fellowship provides:

  • Up to $15,000 to support faculty research in a field of the recipient’s choosing
  • Up to $3,000 to support a student researcher/intern
  • Total possible award: $18,000

All funded projects must be completed within one academic year and no later than Spring 2027.

Reporting Requirements

Each principal investigator is required to:

  • Submit a written final report on the research project at the end of Spring 2027
  • A published paper or submitted manuscript may be substituted for the final report
  • Submit a financial report detailing fellowship expenditures within six months of completing the grant

Education - Higher Education Academic Success & Enrichment

WI Entrepreneurial Training Program (reimbursement)

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
State/Local Government
Wisconsin
US $1,000

About

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Our regional expertise is available across a dozen locations statewide.

The Wisconsin SBDC is one of four programs at the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), which provides specialized resources and helps clients craft personalized plans to grow their businesses. OBE is part of the world-class Universities of Wisconsin. 

We are a nationally accredited member of America’s SBDC, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States.

WI Entrepreneurial Training Program 

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is partnering to offer Entrepreneurial Training Program reimbursement of up to 75% of the $1,000 course fee. The course is designed to help early-stage startups vet their ideas and learn how to develop an investment-ready business plan. Grant recipients must comply with requirements that include meeting attendance standards and completing a business plan within six months of starting the program.

Entrepreneurship

OCCF: Donna Nigh Foundation Grant

Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Private
Oklahoma
Up to US $8,000
The OCCF: Donna Nigh Foundation Grant supports Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and accredited schools that provide essential services to individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. The foundation provides funding for adaptive equipment and activities aimed at enhancing independence and quality of life. Eligible projects include environmental adaptations, classroom equipment, and sheltered workshop activities, while special events and capital improvements are excluded from funding.
Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

Annette Paletz Memorial Scholarship

Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Association/Society
Israel
Unspecified amount

The Minneapolis Jewish Federation offers a number of needs-based scholarships to assist with the cost of Israel travel, education, and camp tuition.

Annette Paletz Memorial Scholarship

In 1976, Annette Paletz was the first person from Minnesota to participate in the Alexander Muss High School in Israel experience — and it had a profound effect on her life. In memory of Annette, who passed away suddenly in 2007, the Annette Paletz Memorial Scholarship helps Minneapolis high school students attend Jewish educational travel programs in Israel.

Jewish Culture

Rufford Small Grants Programme

The Rufford Foundation
Private
Afghanistan, Albania +127 more
£7,000 - £18,000
The Rufford Small Grants Programme supports early-career conservationists in developing countries, providing crucial funding for pilot projects. With over £30 million allocated since its inception, the program facilitates various grant types, including up to £18,000 for Completion Grants. Applicants are encouraged to focus on nature conservation and submit updates on their projects. This initiative aims to empower individuals to make significant contributions to conservation and enhance local capacities.
Environmental Conservation

Lodging Tax Program Tourism Projects Grant

City of Richland
State/Local Government
Richland County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount

Lodging Tax Grant Program

Promote Tourism. Drive Overnight Stays.

The Lodging Tax Grant Program provides funding that bring visitors to Richland and result in overnight stays at local hotels and motels.

The program is funded by a tax on hotel and motel stays within the city. State law dictates how these funds may be used, requiring that supported activities focus on tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities and demonstrate a clear benefit to overnight lodging demand.

  • Supports projects that attract visitors to Richland
  • Eligible uses include marketing, events, and tourism-related facilities
  • Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis
Tourism

Farmer Family Scholarship

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

Farmer Family Scholarship

Amount:

  • $500

The Farmer Family Scholarship was established in 2004 by Jim and Janell Farmer. Janell taught sales classes at JWCC from 1981-1993 and was part-time faculty member of the years in 1988 - 1989. The scholarship is awarded to a student studying business with an emphasis on sales or marketing.

Education - Higher Education Business Education

African Raptor Leadership Research Grant

Raptor Research Foundation
Private
Morocco, Nigeria +1 more
Up to US $10,000

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

African Raptor Leadership Research Grant

Goal:

To forward conservation of African raptors by increasing the number of raptor champions in Africa by 30% over the next 10 years by providing education and mentorship opportunities to residents of African countries.

Need:

Africa’s raptor populations have been declining at alarming rates. Their major threats are all human-caused, most importantly habitat destruction, but also persecution, electrocution, poisoning, and overharvesting for belief-based use; all of which will strongly increase with a near doubling of the human population by 2050. Collectively, our decades of work to protect Africa’s raptors has shown us how profound the lack of knowledge about these birds and their threats is across the continent. Importantly, there is scarcely any local capacity to study, monitor or address threats to raptors throughout much of the continent.

Objectives:

This program provides financial support to new MSc or Honors students to cover the costs associated with their research projects carried out to fulfill a degree at either:

1) A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Nigeria,

2) University of Cape Town’s FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, or

3) Mohammed V University Rabat.

The research component should be primarily focused on African raptors or one of their following threats: belief-based use, illegal trade, poisoning, persecution, habitat loss, and electrocution or collision with wind turbines.

The long-term goal is to build capacity of one in-country university or non-university student advisor by providing the opportunity to collaborate with an established mentor (as appropriate). In addition to a university advisor(s), each student awardee (Objective 1) will be required to have a local in-country mentor whenever possible, who can also be financially supported by the grant to allow training and networking for the mentor. Training activities may include holding multi-day skill-building workshops (e.g., statistics, project methodology, GIS) for university or local mentors, field-based visits to individual projects, or multi-day sessions to improve raptor identification or capture/tagging skills. Specific topics and training to be decided based on the capacity needs of the country(s) where the research will be conducted.

The Award:

Grants will be awarded to local African students carrying out raptor research dissertations as part of their degrees and an appropriate local mentor, to allow more ambitious and relevant research projects by the student and to facilitate better and more reliable mentoring respectively.

Environmental Stewardship Middle Eastern / North African Culture & Heritage

BCAFF Scholarships: Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Nebraska Community Foundation
Private
United States
More than US $2,000

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Funding for the following scholarships through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by the Butler County Clinic, P.C.

  • Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Graduates of Aquinas High School, David City High School, and East Butler High School may apply. Only one scholarship per school will be awarded. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in a medically-related major.
  • One half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester and achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The remaining half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first academic year with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within a medically-related major.
  • Upperclassman recipient funds will be paid in full ($2,000) directly to the school after the student has successfully completed a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within the area of medicinal studies.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

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.