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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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33,000+ grants
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Alex Masters Memorial 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.

Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship

Following the unexpected passing of their son, Alex Masters, a memorial scholarship fund was created at the River Valley Education Foundation by Randy and Kathy Masters and Morgan Masters Quickel, Alex’s sister. In 2013, the fund was migrated to Marion Community Foundation and became the Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alex never knew a stranger and loved to discuss and debate any subject with others. He loved baseball and football, was an avid reader, and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, perhaps his biggest love—outside of his family—was his love for music. It is his family’s hope that his song will live on through this scholarship.

The fund honors Alex’s memory and supports the educational goals of graduating seniors from River Valley High School. According to Kathy, the family created the scholarship with the intention of supporting those who have encountered adversity and to overcome and cope with life’s challenges through education.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Summer Reading Program Grants

Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
State/Local Government
Nevada
Up to US $15,000

Summer Reading Program Grants

Applicants may request up to $15,000

The Summer Reading Program (SRP) Grant provides up to $15,000 per library to strengthen and expand literacy and learning driven summer programming. Funding supports activities that advance educational equity, increase access to information resources, and promote lifelong learning. 

Because Summer Reading Programs vary widely in scale across Nevada, requested funding should reasonably reflect anticipated participation levels and the size of the population served. Larger library systems serving higher numbers of participants may request funding closer to the maximum award level, while smaller systems should scale requests appropriately to the scope of their local program.

Funding categories: 

  • Instructional programs, workshops, or presenters with defined literacy or learning objectives
  • Materials and supplies to support SRP activities and programming
  • Books and literacy materials directly tied to structured SRP activities
  • Allowable staff time directly associated with planning, implementing, and assessing SRP literacy programming
After School / Summer Educational Programs

2026-2027 ESC State Gifted and Talented Performance Standards Initiative RFP

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $217,500

2026-2027 ESC State Gifted and Talented Performance Standards Initiative

Program Information

The purpose of the program is to implement Gifted/Talented (G/T) education projects that make up the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP). Region 13 Education Service Center (ESC) – Advanced Academic Services will oversee the development of the projects and provide leadership and project management.

Academic Success & Enrichment Teacher Development & Training

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial 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.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Victim of Crimes Act & State Victim Assistance Grant Programs

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
State/Local Government
Nebraska
Unspecified amount

 Victim of Crimes Act & State Victim Assistance Grant Programs

This Request for Applications (RFA) for the federal Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and state Victim Assistance Grant Programs for Nebraska’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027. Under this program, Nebraska provides grants to local community-based public, non-profit, and other organizations that provide services directly to crime victims.

The VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program support a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime, and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. All services funded through the VOCA and Victim Assistance Grant Program are provided to individual crime victims at no cost to the victim.

Opportunity Funding

  • $6,000,000.00
Crime & Justice Crime Victim Services

Andrew Wigton Memorial 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.

Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Wigton lost his young life in an automobile accident during his senior year at Pleasant High School. His parents and family created this scholarship in 2006 to honor his memory. Special consideration is given to applicants who have been members of the varsity basketball or varsity soccer team, two sports that Andrew loved.

In addition to memorial contributions, this fund is supported by the proceeds of the Dre 5K Run and a golf outing and by Andrew’s parents, friends, and family members.

Seniors of Pleasant High School in the upper 25th percentile of the graduating class are the focus of the Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship.

Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Beckman Scholars Program

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Private
United States
Approximately US $26,000
The Beckman Scholars Program offers a 15-month mentored research experience for outstanding undergraduate students in chemistry and biological sciences. Each participating institution can submit one application, with awards totaling $21,000 per student and $5,000 per mentor. The program emphasizes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. For more details, refer to the FAQs on the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation's website.
Academic Scholarship Programs Chemistry Biology

Saint Luke's Health Foundation: General Sponsorship Requests

Saint Luke's Health Foundation
Private
Ada County, Idaho, Adams County, Idaho +15 more
Unspecified amount

About Us

Your Partner in Health

St. Luke’s is more than a health care provider. We’re here for you as your neighbor and partner in health. We connect care across communities, support local wellness efforts, and show up when it matters most.

Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose

We’re proud to be an Idaho-based not-for-profit health system—a connected network of hospitals, clinics, expert providers, dedicated caregivers, and supporting professionals. Since 1902, we’ve been deeply rooted in the communities we serve. More than delivering care, we bring people, resources, and compassion together to support the health of every patient and every community.

Our mission and values shape everything we do—because our focus is on people and providing exceptional, patient-centered care in every community we serve.

Partnerships & Grants

We’re proud to be an active partner in our community—supporting local health initiatives, events, and organizations through grants, sponsorships, and event medical coverage. Apply today to see how we can support your work.

General Sponsorship Requests

We also partner with nonprofits through sponsorships that support community-focused events, conferences, and fundraisers tied to health improvement. If you’re planning something that brings people together around a shared cause, we’d love to hear about it.

Community Health Education Wellness & Healthy Living

Surface Water Restoration

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Wisconsin
Unspecified amount

Surface Water RestorationSurface water restoration grants help implement protection and restorationactions. Unlike plan implementation grants, these projects don’t require a management plan, however, shovel-ready projects shall follow the appropriate NRCS standards published in Appendix D: Surface Water Restoration. Applications shall be submitted with a project design plan.Funding:

  • Grants cover up to 75% of total project costs.
  • Up to $25,000 is available for river projects and $50,000 is available for lakes projects.
Freshwater Conservation

Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship

Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation

At the Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation, our mission is helping children, children at risk, under served children, and the children who need help most.

Kiwanis helps kids around the world and local clubs support our communities and the international organization takes on large challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time and donations. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference for children. And we have fun along the way.

For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.

Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship

Are you dreaming of attending college but need financial support to make it a reality? The Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation is here to help! Our Scholarship Program is designed to empower local students by providing financial assistance to pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Dr. Frederick B. Brown Medical School Scholarship

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Frederick Brown Fund

This fund was opened in honor of Frederick Brown by his daughters, Stacy and Bonnie, after his death in 2018. Frederick was a gifted surgeon. He was the first and, for many years, only, vascular surgeon in the Tri-Cities area. He obtained his pre-med degree with a double major in history and biology from Andrew's University and graduated from medical school in 1973. He did his general and thoracic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn. Frederick was full of humor, loved to travel, and had a generous presence in ensuring high quality and local health care could be available in West Michigan.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Housing Stabilization Program (HSP)

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
State/Local Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount

 Housing Stabilization Program

The Housing Stabilization Program assists low-income families who are receiving a state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant and are homeless or are unstably housed and at risk of becoming homeless. 

HSP funds can pay for:

  • Housing-related costs
  • Case management and program delivery costs 

HSP is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. ODHS allocates funds to Oregon Housing and Community Services biennially. Oregon Housing and Community Services allocates funds to community action agencies annually.

Homelessness Services

HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP)

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Up to US $50,000

HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP)

HOME-ARP provides funding to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or other vulnerable populations by providing rental housing, supportive services and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability.

Funding

  • The minimum funding request for Non-Congregate Shelter projects is $50,000.
  • Up to 5% may be requested for administrative costs.

Uses

HOME-ARP funds may be used to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct NCS units to serve individuals and families Qualifying Populations.

Restricted Use Period: HOME-ARP NCS projects must comply with HOME-ARP requirements during the restricted use period established in the HOME-ARP Notice.

  • New Construction: 15 years
  • Rehabilitation: 10 years
  • Acquisition Only: 10 years
Homelessness Services

Sidney High School Alumni Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
US $2,000

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Sidney High School Alumni Scholarship

Selection based upon:

  • Financial need; academic ability; community, religious, and school service; recommendations.

Must be enrolling in a trade school or pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.

Awards

  • One $2,000 scholarship
Vocational & Trade Education Education - Higher Education

Title X Family Planning Services Grants

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Office of Population Affairs
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +7 more
US $200,000 - US $22,000,000
The Title X Family Planning Services Grants support diverse projects aimed at providing essential family planning services across the United States and its territories. With an anticipated funding of up to $257 million, these grants will empower low-income and uninsured individuals by enhancing health literacy and access to reproductive health services. The program emphasizes informed decision-making and addresses gaps in reproductive knowledge, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for millions of Americans.
Family Services Reproductive Health

Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
State/Local Government
Aitkin County, Minnesota, Becker County, Minnesota +79 more
Up to US $2,000,000

Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure

The Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program helps stimulate new economic development, create new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure.

It provides grants to cities of up to 50% of the capital costs of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Award Amounts

Applicants wills be awarded 50% of eligible, capital costs for eligible projects, pending availability of funds. Applicants may receive no more than $2,000,000 in two years for one or more projects. If after five years the project has not proceeded in a timely manner and is unlikely to be completed, the grant will be cancelled and grant money awarded to the city must be returned.

Public Infrastructure

Allen Foundation Grant - Nutrition Education

Allen Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

  • To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
  • To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
  • To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
  • To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
  • In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

  • the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
  • bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
  • the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

Nutrition & Healthy Eating

MSAB Creative Support for Individuals Grant

Minnesota State Arts Board
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $2,000 - US $10,000

MSAB Creative Support for Individuals Grant

Project grants to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans. Grantees may use funds to support their creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.

Applicants may be working in a variety of art forms including dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual art. Culture bearers refers to individuals who have been trained by traditional elders or master artists and whose artistic practice is reflective of the cultural life of a community that shares a common ethnicity, geographic or regional identity, language, or tribal affiliation.

Program outcome

This program exists to support artists and culture bearers as they sustain their artistic practices and maintain their connections to Minnesota residents and communities. The program’s intended outcome is: Artists and culture bearers engage Minnesotans in their creative practice.

Grant range

Applicants may request between $2,000 - $10,000. No cash match is required.

Artist Training & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Robert P. Atkinson Hospital Leadership and Scholarship

Arkansas Community Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Robert P. Atkinson Hospital Leadership and Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to students pursuing an advanced degree with an emphasis in healthcare and/or hospital administration.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Medical & Health Professions Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
United States
US $1,500

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Medical & Health Professions Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a certificate or an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in medical and associated health professions.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

  • Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

  • Two $1,500 scholarships
Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

Research Scholar Grants (RSG) Summer Cycle

American Cancer Society
Association/Society
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $215,000

American Cancer Society

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

ACS Research Priority Areas

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has identified these 6 areas to categorize and track the research we fund to help advance our mission. Applicants (except Institutional Research Grants and Professor grants) are asked to select at least 1 of these research areas that aligns with their proposal:

  • Etiology (causes of cancer)
  • Obesity/Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL)
  • Screening and Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Survivorship
  • Health Equity Across the Cancer Continuum

Research Scholar Grants

Research Scholar Grants (RSG) provide support for independent, self-directed researchers.

Applicants' institutions must provide space and other resources customary for independent investigators.

Grant proposals are investigator-initiated and may pursue questions across the cancer research continuum, as long as they fit within an American Cancer Society (ACS) priority research area.

These grants typically contribute to the cost of salaries, consumable supplies, and other miscellaneous items required in the research. 

Research Scholar Grants are funded up to $215,000 per year (direct costs), plus 10% allowable indirect costs, with a project period up to four years.

Cancer / Oncology

MCA Nonprofit Arts Organizations Grants​

Marin Cultural Association
Private
Marin County, California
Up to US $10,000
The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) Arts Grants program provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Marin County. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for operational and program support including arts programming, materials, and production expenses. MCA aims to sustain Marin's arts resources, promote equitable representation in the arts, and enhance collaboration within the community, making the arts accessible to all residents.
Artist Training & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Larry Hawkins Family Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Private
Ohio
US $3,000

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Larry Hawkins Family Scholarship

A Sidney High School alumnus who is currently enrolled beyond the first year in an adult education school, trade school, or a 2-year or 4-year college or university, located within the state of Ohio. 

Selection based upon:

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

  • One $3,000 scholarship
Adult Education Vocational & Trade Education

EMS Stakeholder Conference

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $314,000
The EMS Stakeholder Conference, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to deliver a comprehensive educational experience for Emergency Medical Services professionals. This inclusive conference will enhance patient care and operational efficiency through targeted sessions addressing the needs of various EMS personnel. By aligning with current medical knowledge and national standards, the conference seeks to improve clinical practices and support system integration, ultimately benefiting public health in New Jersey.
Emergency Medical Care & Services

Healthcare Preparedness Program

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Up to US $354,070
The Healthcare Preparedness Program, led by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to enhance the state's ability to respond to public health emergencies. By fostering collaboration among healthcare coalitions, the program ensures a coordinated approach to improving health outcomes. This initiative focuses on building medical surge capacity and prioritizing flexible response strategies, ultimately strengthening New Jersey's healthcare system in the face of future challenges.
Health Care Access & Delivery Disaster Preparedness

MCA Artist Grants​

Marin Cultural Association
Private
Marin County, California
Up to US $5,000

About MCA Arts Grants

The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) Arts Grants program is intended to provide valuable financial support for nonprofit arts organizations and emerging and established artists across Marin County.

Mission

​The Marin Cultural Association’s mission is to support art and culture in Marin County including enhancing the programs and facilities at the Marin Center and the Marin County Fair. A nonprofit in partnership with the Marin Department of Cultural Services, MCA advocates for and serves as a catalyst to increase participation, advance collaboration, and optimize resources for culture in Marin County for all residents.

Grant Program Goals​

The goals for MCA’s Arts Grants program align with the goals of MCA including:

  • To sustain and grow Marin’s art resources for all
  • To cultivate and advance Marin as an arts and cultural center
  • To ensure Marin’s arts are by and for everyone while supporting equitable representation and participation across diverse groups, artforms, and cultural expression

Artist Grants​

Grants up to $5,000 are available for emerging and established artists over 18 years old who live or work in Marin County, as well as studio collectives in Marin County.

Artist Training & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Council on Foundations: Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking

Council On Foundations Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 1,000 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all. 

Council Awards

Our awards program recognizes excellence in philanthropy and honors leaders for their dedication to explore creative ways to advance the common good and fund solutions for complex issues. The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector.

Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking

The Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking was originally created and endowed by friends and colleagues in 1984 as a tribute to Robert Scrivner, a former staff associate of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and first executive director of the Rockefeller Family Fund.

This prestigious award has historically recognized outstanding creativity in grantmaking at the individual level. Starting in 2021, it now recognizes a grantmaking organization that, with a combination of vision, principle, and commitment, is making a critical difference in an innovative way.

Award Criteria

  • Creativity: The grantmaking organization demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach to grantmaking, leveraging innovative practices and creating new and better ways of operating.
  • Vision: The grantmaking organization embodies their vision throughout their daily practices and procedures.
  • Principle: The grantmaking organization operates with integrity and principles, and this is shown throughout their engagement with their nonprofit partners and other stakeholders.
  • Trust: The grantmaking organization centers trust in its relationships with its nonprofit partners and other stakeholders and furthers public trust in philanthropy.

Through your nomination, you can acknowledge the work of a trustee or staff member working in philanthropy who has made a critical difference in the field and demonstrated leadership in times of crisis, charting new paths for the social sector.One supplemental material upload is required (no more than five total items) may be uploaded to provide documentation and support of achievements. These supplemental materials may include, but not limited to: reference letter, endorsement, or letter of support for the nomination from the community leadership (i.e., nonprofit, grantee partner, or a government leader), videos, news articles, report, or publication, organizational strategic plan or annual report, or individuals resume.

The Council on Foundations prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, to each such award.

Volunteerism & Philanthropy

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.