Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Your Grant Operating System Has Leveled Up.
Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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

33,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

32,565 Results based on applied filters

Rural Health Transformation Program: Shoring Up to Sustainability Initiative

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
South Carolina
US $500,000 - US $3,000,000

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a federal initiative led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program is designed to help state governments strengthen healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment, the RHTP aims to create sustainable improvements in rural health systems across the United States. The Shoring Up to Sustainability initiative aims to strengthen the operational and financial resilience of rural healthcare systems in South Carolina by investing in critical facility enhancements and delivering targeted masterclass training for rural providers.

Rural Health Care

ALWD Teaching Grants

ALWD
Association/Society
United States
US $1,500 - US $3,750

About Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) ALWD supports its members’ professional development as teachers, scholars, and leaders through both teaching and scholarship grants. These grants provide funding for legal writing professionals to pursue their scholarly interests and to develop innovative teaching materials. In funding grants, ALWD focuses on providing resources to those who do not have other sources of funding for these endeavors.

ALWD also supports projects that preserve the history of ALWD, honor community contributions, and make ALWD’s history accessible to scholars, teachers, and practitioners into the future.ALWD Teaching GrantsIn furtherance of ALWD’s commitment to the professional development of legal research and writing faculty, ALWD funds annual teaching grants that allow legal writing faculty to spend their summers exploring innovative teaching ideas and producing teaching tools, materials, and curriculum that will assist others in the field. 

Teacher Development & Training Writing & Literature

Underrepresented Cultural Studies Materials Grants

Minnesota Humanities Center
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $125,000

Underrepresented Cultural Studies Materials Grants

Grant Goals

For individuals and organizations that will work to develop high-quality academic, cultural, and ethnic studies materials for communities that do not have adequate cultural and ethnic studies materials, or who are underrepresented in those materials. The materials must support Minnesota K-12 students from underrepresented communities without a formal writing system that is primarily orally based, including but are not limited to, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

  • Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
  • Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesota who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage, and
  • Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs.
Community Culture & Heritage Education - K through 12

The Home Visiting Research, Improvement, Sustainability and Evaluation Center (HV-RISE)

US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +7 more
Up to US $5,000,000
The Home Visiting Research, Improvement, Sustainability and Evaluation Center (HV-RISE) aims to enhance home visiting services for families. By leveraging research, HV-RISE supports programs in testing and implementing effective practices, thereby improving outcomes. This initiative seeks to identify and expand successful strategies, ensuring that families receive the best support possible through evidence-based home visiting services.
Home Health Care

IDNR State Pheasant Funding

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State/Local Government
Illinois
Unspecified amount
The IDNR State Pheasant Funding aims to enhance pheasant wildlife habitat in Illinois. Grantees must register with the State of Illinois and complete a prequalification process. This competitive grant encourages organized groups of volunteers from non-profits and governmental entities to develop and submit projects for funding. The initiative focuses on managing and conserving Illinois' natural resources while promoting public understanding and appreciation of these vital habitats.
Ornithological Conservation

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

A Holistic Approach to Study Non-Addictive Natural Products for Pain Management

National Institutes of Health
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) seeks to fund interdisciplinary research on non-addictive natural products for chronic pain management. This initiative supports the NIH HEAL Initiative by emphasizing safe, prevention-oriented strategies. Research should focus on the holistic effects of natural products across various biological systems, optimizing dosages, and identifying optimal intervention timing to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The goal is to generate foundational insights that will guide future translational research for effective pain management.
Chronic / Acute Pain Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award

American Psychological Foundation Inc
Private
Afghanistan, Africa +34 more
US $3,000
The Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award honors psychologists with outstanding teaching records. Awardees receive a plaque, a $2,000 monetary prize, and a $1,000 travel stipend, along with the opportunity to present at the APA Annual Convention. This prestigious award encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing achievements in teaching, curriculum development, and research in psychology education. Note that self-nominations are not permitted, and international applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Psychology

Convention Childcare Grant Program

Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES)
Private
Cook County, Illinois
Up to US $250

Convention Childcare Grant Program

ASEEES offers grants of up to $250 to assist members who have childcare costs during the annual convention. The grants are intended to help offset the cost of childcare, enabling attendees with dependent children to participate in the annual convention.

Eligible expenses can be reimbursed up to the maximum amount of the grant. Additional expenses must be borne by the individual recipient. No funds can be distributed prior to the conclusion of the annual convention, and no funds are distributed on site at the convention.  

ASEEES does not offer organized childcare onsite. A nursing room is provided at the convention hotel.

If the convention hotel offers a list of recommended childcare providers, ASEEES will provide the list upon request.

Child Care Services

Foreign Policy Grants

Stand Together Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Who is Stand Together?

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, a unique network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society.

Foreign Policy Grants

A government’s most important task is to secure the rights and liberties of its citizens—in part, by providing for the common defense. For this reason, the United States should maintain a strong military to keep America safe, prosperous, and free.

In recent decades, the United States has pursued an approach to foreign policy known as primacy or liberal hegemony. This foreign policy has required active and aggressive U.S. military engagement around the globe that has undermined our safety and imperiled our prosperity and liberties.

The Trust supports scholars and institutions interested in challenging the current approach, providing alternative visions for U.S. foreign policy, and engaging in research that can bridge the gap between ideas and policy. The Trust is especially interested in foreign policy research projects from political science, international relations, history, or economics. However, proposals from all fields will be considered on their merits.

Grant Info

We are especially interested in research that:

  • Explores topics and issues related to a grand strategy of restraint.
  • Examines the role of values and ethics in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy.
  • Addresses the unintended consequences of U.S. military actions abroad and explores the costs and impact of engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other places where significant counterterrorism efforts have been conducted.
  • Considers the impact of U.S. military engagement abroad on American society—for instance, the effect of our foreign policy decisions on civil liberties or the health and welfare of veterans.
  • Explores the concept of threat inflation and problematizes theories of credibility and reputation in relation to U.S. foreign policy.
  • Analyzes executive–legislative relations in foreign policy, including the constitutional division of war powers.
  • Examines the impact of domestic interest groups, businesses, think tanks, and the permanent national security bureaucracy on U.S. foreign policy.
  • Explores the growth of the intelligence and national security establishments since 9/11.
  • Surveys the costs, risks, and impacts of foreign aid and alliance commitments.
  • Studies the costs and benefits of burden-sharing and burden-shifting with current allies.
  • Scrutinizes Pentagon spending, force structure, and the strategic demands of U.S. defense policy—including structural incentives for military expenditures.
  • Considers the consequences of an increasingly multipolar world, especially as concerns principal geostrategic regions (e.g., Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Western Pacific).
  • Explores how changes in technology (such as A2/AD) that impact the offense-defense balance can be leveraged to support a sound approach to grand strategy.

Grant Criteria

Please submit a brief of no more than 3 pages that details the scope of the project. We are open to any type of project: papers, communications campaigns, conferences and convenings, school tours, and much more (we welcome creative ideas).

Funding

Funding levels are commensurate with the requirements of the research and the potential for the research to advance an understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support to disseminate the research findings.

Public Policy International / Foreign Affairs

Darlington Excellence in Education (EIE) Fund

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Private
Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Unspecified amount
The Darlington Excellence in Education (EIE) Fund, established in 2003, inspires teachers and students in the Darlington area by promoting innovative educational programs and recognizing outstanding achievements. With nearly $107,000 returned to the community, the fund supports both public and private schools, emphasizing quality education through community involvement and charitable resources. Grants are awarded annually for projects outside the school district's operating budget, fostering creativity and excellence in education.
Teacher Development & Training Academic Success & Enrichment

Pucek Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the North State
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Pucek Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established in honor of Bill, Jeannette, and Sidney Pucek.

Scholarship awards from this fund aim to benefit and support North State students pursuing an associate degree or certification in a vocational program.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship Fund: College Scholarship

Community Foundation of the North State
Private
United States
Up to US $50,000

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship Fund

Redding Electric Utility (REU) is proud to offer students in the Redding community awards from the REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship, Program. The purpose of REU’s Program is to identify and support local students dreaming and planning to attend community college, a 4-year college/university, or technical school. The primary goals of REU’s Powering Redding’s Future program is to encourage Redding’s youth to consider a college/university or technical school education that may lead to career opportunities in the electric utility industry, preferably with REU. This program will award up to $50,000 in scholarships for local students each year.

All REU scholarships are offered to Redding residents.

Education - Higher Education STEM / STEAM Education

REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship Fund: Community College and Tecnical School Scholarship

Community Foundation of the North State
Private
United States
Up to US $50,000

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship Fund

Redding Electric Utility (REU) is proud to offer students in the Redding community awards from the REU Powering Redding’s Future Scholarship, Program. The purpose of REU’s Program is to identify and support local students dreaming and planning to attend community college, a 4-year college/university, or technical school. The primary goals of REU’s Powering Redding’s Future program is to encourage Redding’s youth to consider a college/university or technical school education that may lead to career opportunities in the electric utility industry, preferably with REU. This program will award up to $50,000 in scholarships for local students each year.

All REU scholarships are offered to Redding residents.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Private
Alabama, Florida +3 more
US $63,800 - US $69,300
The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.
Environmental Policy

Arts Learning: In Schools

New Mexico Arts
State/Local Government
New Mexico
US $10,000

Arts Learning in Schools and In Community

New Mexico Arts offers two grant categories for arts education projects with K-12 school-age children: Arts Learning in Schools and Arts Learning in Community. Charter schools and 501 (c) (3) private schools and 501 (c) (3) organizations may apply for themselves. Public schools must apply through the parent-teacher organization if that organization is a 501 (c) (3) or through the school district.

Arts Learning in Schools

Arts Learning in Schools supports a wide range of programs taking place in K-12 schools either during school hours or during after-school programs. These programs may focus on creative process arts activities, arts activities integrated into other content areas, art history, or arts education professional development. In school residencies with individual artists are also included in this category (note: applicants for residencies cannot be individuals and the applicant must be a charter school, 501(c)(3) private school, school district, or 501(c)(3) organization). In school projects (including residencies) may be short-term, mid-length, or long-term.

Education - K through 12 Art Education

Rebuild Alabama Annual Grant Program (RAA)

Alabama Department of Transportation
State/Local Government
Alabama
Up to US $350,000

Rebuild Alabama Annual Grant Program (RAA)

The RAA Annual Grant Program is an ALDOT administered transportation infrastructure grant program for projects of local interest created in the Rebuild Alabama Act of 2019.

Projects may be submitted for improvements to any classified road or bridge open to public traffic.

Funding

The RAA Annual Grant Program was established by Legislative Act #2019-2. The program allocates no less than $10 million annually to eligible projects as identified by ALDOT during a fiscal year.

The total funding allocated for the FY 2026 program will be $15 million. $10 million of the FY 2026 allocation will be awarded with no local match required. The maximum amount of funding that can be requested per project with no match required will be $250,000. $5 million of the FY 2026 allocation will be awarded with a 50 percent local match required. Any RAA Annual Grant funding requested over $250,000 will require a dollar-for-dollar local match from the sponsor, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

Therefore, the maximum amount of total RAA Annual Grant funding that can be requested per project is $250,000 with no local match required, or $350,000 with a local match of $100,000.

Public Infrastructure

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

ACF Early Childhood Grantmaking Program

Aspen Community Foundation
Private
Eagle County, Colorado, Garfield County, Colorado +1 more
US $10,000 - US $35,000
The ACF Early Childhood Grantmaking Program, offered by the Aspen Community Foundation, aims to enhance early care and education for children in the Aspen to Parachute region. In 2025, $250,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations focusing on caregiver support, quality childcare access, and educational initiatives. Typical funding requests range from $10,000 to $35,000, promoting sustainable development and impactful outcomes for children and families in the community.
Child Care Services

Serve New Mexico AmeriCorps - Operational Programs Grant

Serve New Mexico Commission
State/Local Government
New Mexico
Up to US $25,000

2027-2028 AmeriCorps State Request for Applications – AmeriCorps Operational Programs

Funding Overview

The 2027 AmeriCorps Operational Programs competition is to request applications to establish AmeriCorps programs throughout the State of New Mexico to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service. All updates and amendment notifications will be sent out to those organizations that submit a Notice of Intent to Apply on October 9, 2026.

This funding competition is for AmeriCorps Operational Programs. This opportunity combines the former “Competitive” and “Formula" competitions into one Request for Applications (RFA). From this one RFA, the Serve New Mexico Commission will consider, after a review process, which successful applicants will be considered for the Competitive competition and submitted on behalf of the Serve New Mexico Commission to be considered by AmeriCorps for Funding and which applications will be considered for the “Formula” funding which is provided by AmeriCorps and based on a population-based formula to distribute AmeriCorps funding to each state. Those applications that are selected for the “Competitive” opportunity should note while the Serve New Mexico Commission will review the received the application and conduct a review process is designed to identify and determine which programs will be represent the Serve New Mexico Commission, the funding decisions will be made by AmeriCorps. All applicants that are selected for the Competitive funding will also be considered for Formula funding in the event they are not selected for funding by AmeriCorps. There will be a separate competition for Planning Grants, and Operational Programs in the first or second year of funding after the Formula allocations are made available to the states. See RFA 27-631-7004-00067 (below) for Program Year 2027–2028 funding priorities.

Volunteerism & Philanthropy

James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant

James Mckeen Cattell Fund
Private
Canada, United States
Up to US $40,000
The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.
Psychology

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

J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award

Paleontological Research Institution
Private
United States
US $500
The J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award, presented by the Paleontological Research Institution, recognizes the significance of systematic research in paleontology. This $500 award is open to graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) engaged in systematic paleontology research. Eligible expenses include research supplies, bench fees, and travel for fieldwork or conferences, supporting the academic growth of promising paleontologists.
Paleontology

Latin Americans United for Progress Dream Scholarship

Community Foundation Of The Holland Zeeland Area
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Latin Americans United for Progress Dream Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be graduating seniors or early college students, demonstrate financial need, and submit a personal statement. With over $1 million awarded annually in scholarships, this program aims to empower the next generation of leaders from the Hispanic community, promoting educational advancement and cultural appreciation.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Causal Research on the Impacts of K‑12 School Policies RFP

Arnold Ventures
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Arnold Ventures

Overview

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Request for Proposals

Causal Research on the Impacts of K-12 School Policies 

The next several years present an important opportunity to shape the future of state K-12 education policy. States are making consequential decisions about curriculum, assessment, and accountability systems; school choice and governance policies; and teacher and leader workforce policies. High-quality research in these areas will help policymakers distinguish between reforms that are merely appealing and those that meaningfully improve student outcomes over the long term.

Through this request for proposals (RFP), Arnold Ventures seeks to support research studies that estimate the causal effects of actionable, politically viable U.S. K-12 education policies that can be influenced at the state level and have the potential to improve outcomes at scale. Competitive proposals should employ rigorous causal research methods and, where feasible, examine not only short-term educational outcomes but also longer-term impacts on postsecondary and/or labor market outcomes using administrative data. Given the pace of state policymaking, we place a high value on research that can inform decisions quickly and will give preference to studies that can be completed within 18 months of project kickoff and/or produce actionable findings by the end of 2028.

Education - K through 12 Education System Policy & Reform

Athletics for Persons with Disabilities Grant

State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Athletics for Persons with Disabilities Grant

Purpose of Grant

The purpose of this grant program is to provide funds to statewide, nonprofit athletic organizations serving athletes with disabilities to provide sports training and athletic competition.

Applicants must be able to provide athletic competition and sports training, throughout the state for athletes with disabilities. Applicants must be knowledgeable about and demonstrate the ability to work with athletes with disabilities. 

Disability Care & Services Sports & Athletics

Hawai'i Forest Legacy Grant Program

State of Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife
State/Local Government
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The Hawai'i Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to protect vital forest lands from development while supporting landowners in preserving their properties. This federal initiative, overseen by the State of Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, encourages sustainable practices, safeguards endangered species, and promotes watershed health. By purchasing conservation easements, the program helps landowners manage costs without sacrificing their land's ecological and cultural value. Interested parties should consult with the program manager well ahead of the July application deadline.
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.

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.