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Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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

33,000+

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$9.00B

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$6K

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33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
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32,565 Results based on applied filters

Engineering (ENG): Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems (CBET)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (NSF ENG) promotes groundbreaking research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems. Key programs include Chemical Process Systems, Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems, Energy, Water, and Resource Engineering, and Transport Phenomena. NSF ENG seeks innovative, transformative proposals that push the boundaries of foundational research, regardless of immediate commercial applications, and emphasizes diverse funding opportunities based on availability.
Bioengineering Environmental Engineering

Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund

Benton Community Foundation
Private
Oregon
Unspecified amount

Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund

Lillian and Paul Petri taught music at OSU and via private instruction, and had profound involvement in supporting young musicians. Their influence continues today. Although the Petris had no children, they were very interested in supporting young people, and they bequeathed their entire estate to Benton Community Foundation to help young musicians.

Almost without exception, all of the Petri award winners have gone on to distinguished careers. The Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund grants one of the most generous music scholarships offered in the United States. Since the Petri Award was first given in 1962, grants have gone to thirty-two top Oregon musicians. The first scholarship award made from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund in 1962 to Miss Edith Kilbuck, a pianist and instructor of music at Lewis and Clark College and the University of Portland. She traveled to Vienna, Austria, to study under Professor Seidlhofer. When Miss Kilbuck was asked once what this award meant to her, she conveyed her “strong sense of gratitude” in the following statement:

“The Petri Award provided an opportunity for both focus and diversification in my education and professional career. After having practiced my profession several years as teacher, performer, and coach/accompanist, I recognized those areas in which I wanted to concentrate my efforts. To be free to do this additional work without the necessity of earning a living at the same time was a real privilege. Living in Vienna and traveling elsewhere in Europe provided such an immediate and first-hand experience of so much of our cultural heritage — general history, music history, German language and literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, etc. I feel I took a ‘giant step’ toward becoming truly educated during that year as recipient of the Petri Award.”

As expressed in his letter to the board written before his death, Dr. Petri’s vision was to provide scholarships to enable young Oregonian musicians to study music for a year in a foreign country. However, recognizing that circumstances change over the years, Dr. Petri gave BCF’s Board of Directors wide discretion in meeting his vision. Considering the increased cost of foreign travel since the fund was first establish, and in light of the many good music schools which have prospered in the United States since the mid-20th century, the Board has determined that the scholarship may be used for study domestically, as well as overseas.

The determination of whom shall be granted a scholarship from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund is made on the basis of a musical performance competition judged by notable professionals in the field. BCF currently partners with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) to plan and facilitate the competition.

Music Education

Knights of Pythias Scholarship Fund

Benton Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Knights of Pythias Scholarship Fund

In 1950, the membership roster for the Corvallis lodge of the Knights of Pythias, Valley Lodge No. 11 had more than 250 names, but membership declined over the years and the club subsequently disbanded. In 1992, as remaining members began discussions about how to distribute the assets of the lodge, Benton Community Foundation (BCF) emerged as a natural choice.

“We felt it would be best to keep the money in the community where our members lived and worked,” said Bob Bareinger, a member in the organization since 1943 and an officer since 1954. The lodge tried to give BCF the entirety of assets, including the deed to the building, but the Oregon Chapter that has jurisdiction over it stepped in and required the assets to be distributed differently. BCF received one-third of the lodge assets, which means that the Knights of Pythias will continue to serve the youth of Benton County in perpetuity by providing annual scholarships to graduates of Benton County high schools.

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, support innovative research in astronomical sciences. These initiatives aim to enhance our understanding of the universe through core research, technological advancements, and instrumentation. Topics include solar storm prediction, the discovery of exoplanets, and the study of black holes. Proposals should reflect ambitious, transformative ideas that may not require immediate practical outcomes, fostering long-term scientific exploration.
Astronomy & Astrophysics Astrobiology

PEF Annual Grants

Peoria Education Foundation
Association/Society
Maricopa County, Arizona
US $500 - US $2,500

Peoria Education Foundation

The Peoria Education Foundation was established in 1987 as the Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization administers two primary programs: college scholarships to students who have overcome extraordinary circumstances and grants to teachers for innovative classroom programs.

In 2012, the organization changed names to the Peoria Education Foundation, however the mission remains the same - support excellence in the Peoria Unified School District. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $2,000,000 in scholarships to students and grants to teachers in the Peoria Unified School District.

PEF Annual Grants

The Peoria Education Foundation enriches and supports educational excellence in the Peoria Unified School District by awarding grants to teachers and principals for projects outside the normal operating budget. The benefits of a grant project often go beyond the one-semester term of the actual award. New materials and equipment may support the regular curriculum for years to come.

All educators are eligible to apply for annual Peoria Education Foundation grants. Typical grants range from $500 to $2,500. These grants can be used to fund innovative projects that demonstrate the potential to significantly improve student achievement. A committee of business leaders will evaluate and select the winning grants. 

Teacher Development & Training Academic Success & Enrichment

Traditional Arts Indiana Apprenticeship

Indiana Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Indiana
US $3,000

Indiana Arts Commission

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of state government that works directly with communities, creatives, and organizations to harness the power of creativity to strengthen Indiana. Through its programs and services, the IAC funds and supports arts experiences, arts education, and the arts economy to enhance the quality of life for Indiana's people and places.

Mission Statement: We champion and invest in arts and creativity to strengthen Indiana’s people and communities.

Traditional Arts Indiana Apprenticeship

The Traditional Arts Indiana (TAI) Apprenticeship Program supports the continuation of cultural practices in Indiana communities by funding up to six apprenticeship pairs each year, enabling apprentices to learn essential knowledge and skills in traditional art forms from master artists. TAI hosts this apprenticeship program in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The TAI Apprenticeship Program supports traditional cultural expressions of a community or group. Examples might be making an object, playing a tune, or practicing a dance. Nevertheless, each creative practice is rooted in a community. It is “traditional” in that it entails skills, aesthetics, and values that are transmitted over time within a family, community, religious, or occupational setting.

If selected, master artists will receive an honorarium with additional funds to cover the cost of apprenticeship materials and resources. Each master artist will host an apprentice formally for nine months. At the end of this period, apprenticeship pairs will showcase their traditional practices at a public event. There will be additional opportunities for master artists and apprentices to participate in future TAI events.

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Folk Art / Traditional Art

Hoffman Foundation Grant

William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation
Private
New Jersey, New York
Approximately US $15,000
The Hoffman Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on aiding the blind and conducting medical research to prevent blindness. Established through Helen C. Hoffman's will, the foundation prioritizes charitable, religious, and educational initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, primarily serving New Jersey and New York. The foundation only accepts applications year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for consideration in the August meeting. Organizations receiving grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.
Vision Impairment Care & Services

Benjamin Gerling Memorial Scholarship

Benton Community Foundation
Private
Benton County, Oregon
Unspecified amount

Benjamin Gerling Memorial Scholarship

Benjamin Gerling died suddenly in early May 2008. At the time of his death, Ben was just a month shy of graduating with honors from OSU and accepting his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. The Cadets of Air Force ROTC Detachment 685 established the Benjamin Gerling Memorial Scholarship in memory of Ben. The Fund provides annual scholarships to Air Force ROTC students at Oregon State University.

Military Operations

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

Ignite Philanthropy
Association/Society
Boone County, Kentucky, Bracken County, Kentucky +22 more
Unspecified amount

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

  • Greater Cincinnati, OH
  • Los Angeles County, CA
  • Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
  • Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)
Art Education Environmental Education

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
Up to US $7,000

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency funding to help you with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.

RAFT provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period so your family can stay in your current home or move to a new one. You may use the money for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments.

Homelessness Services

Volcanic & Magmatic Studies Group: Student Bursaries

The Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group
Association/Society
United Kingdom
Up to £750
The Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group is offering Student Bursaries of up to £500 for doctoral researchers. These funds support travel to conferences, fieldwork, or laboratory facilities. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a UK or Irish PhD program, have presented at a VMSG meeting, and not have previously received a bursary. The initiative aims to assist those facing unexpected challenges in their research funding or seeking to expand their studies beyond original projects.
Volcanology

REB Awards for Teaching Excellence

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond
Private
Chesterfield County, Virginia, Hanover County, Virginia +2 more
US $5,000 - US $15,000

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

R.E.B. Awards Overview

Rudolph Bunzl, retired Chairman and CEO of American Filtrona Corporation, and his wife Esther, a community leader, began working with the Community Foundation in 1987 to develop the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence as a way to promote and improve public education.  

In 1988, they converted their private foundation into the first supporting organization of the Community Foundation. This partnership was enhanced by the creation of the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership, which recognizes outstanding public-school principals. In addition to funding the R.E.B. Awards programs, the R.E.B. Foundation makes annual grants to support other educational programs, as well as cultural and social service programs. 

REB Awards for Teaching Excellence

Established in 1988, the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence recognizes public school teachers who distinguish themselves by their inspiring classroom performance. The program is based on the belief that a positive educational experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels helps children form positive life-long habits toward learning and discipline.

Through a nomination process, approximately 15 outstanding teachers are selected each year to receive cash grants to support professional development activities. Award recipients have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world - all to reignite their own passion for learning and to pass it on to their students.

Awards

  • Competitive proposals will be invited from final candidates selected by the R.E.B Awards Steering Committee.
  • The size of individual grant awards will range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Education - K through 12 Teacher Development & Training

MEL Community Foundation Grant

MEL Community Foundation
Association/Society
Massachusetts
US $10,000 - US $12,000

MEL Community Foundation

Our values of equity, resilience, inclusivity, innovation and strengths-based approach always informs our work supporting English learners in schools.

Our mission is to support English learners in Massachusetts public schools by raising academic achievement and post-secondary educational attainment. The MEL Community Foundation hopes to create and support equitable and inclusive school communities where all students are exposed to rigorous curricula and expectations and the opportunity for post-secondary educational and career opportunities are the norm and not the exception for English learners.

MEL Community Foundation Grant

Developing district partnerships and effective K-12 programming will require strong design, implementation, and staffing. We’ll launch our partnerships and program support by partnering with targeted school districts in Massachusetts. Defining the model, determining the level of staffing required, and achieving operational excellence will take time, but program support in targeted school districts will quickly reveal gaps that need filling and strength areas that can be replicated as we bring program partnerships to more districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MEL Community Foundation partners with nonprofits in the U.S. that support learning outcomes for English Learners in public schools. Although we are Massachusetts based, the MEL Community Foundation welcomes any 501(c)(3) charitable applicant and/or public school district provided the organization meets the criteria.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education Academic Success & Enrichment

AIS Grants to Great Lakes States (CAFWS-179)

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
State/Local Government
Cook County, Illinois, Lake County, Illinois
Up to US $499,375
The AIS Grants to Great Lakes States (CAFWS-179) program offers crucial technical and financial support for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem. It focuses on priority actions to identify, conserve, and restore habitats and species across both public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of these vital natural resources for future generations.
Freshwater Conservation

Walter F. Goodnough Trust Grant

Walter F. Goodnough Trust
Private
Florida
US $2,500 - US $5,000
The Walter F. Goodnough Trust Grant aims to support the rehabilitation of underprivileged disabled children in Florida through hospitalization services. Established by Walter F. Goodnough's will, this private trust provides an average grant size of $2,500 to $5,000, with a total annual giving of approximately $15,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and focus on the rehabilitation of these children, ensuring vital support for their healthcare needs.
Children With Disabilities

Florida's Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
State/Local Government
Florida
Unspecified amount

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program provides funding through competitive grants for tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or longer (non-trailerable). This program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Types of Funding AvailableThere are two types of grants, Tier I and Tier II:

Recreational Water Use & Boating

New England Dance Fund Grant

New England Foundation For The Arts
Private
Connecticut, Maine +4 more
US $500 - US $1,000
The New England Dance Fund Grant supports choreographers in New England by offering $500 to $1,000 for opportunities that advance their careers. This grant prioritizes diversity in artistic expression across various backgrounds and disciplines. Eligible applicants must maintain a Creative Ground profile and reside in one of the six New England states. The fund aims to empower artists through diverse opportunities such as residencies, workshops, and mentorships, fostering growth in the regional dance landscape.
Dance

Environmental & Engineering Geology Division (EEGD): Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award

Geological Society of America (GSA)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award, offered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students pursuing research in environmental and engineering geology. Award amounts vary annually, with at least one scholarship for Master's and one for Doctoral research. The program encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires evaluations from two faculty members. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the funding.
Engineering Geology

CT Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)

USDA: Natural Resource Conservation Service of Connecticut
State/Local Government
Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The CT Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) offers financial assistance to help private and tribal landowners restore and enhance wetlands. This program supports habitat for wildlife, improves water quality, and combats flooding. Eligible landowners can receive funding for permanent, 30-year, and term easements, enabling effective conservation practices. NRCS prioritizes applications based on their potential to protect migratory birds and other wildlife. Apply year-round to benefit from this vital environmental initiative.
Land / Habitat Conservation

NCR-SARE: Graduate Student Grant Program

North Central Region SARE
Federal Government
Illinois, Indiana +10 more
Up to US $20,000
The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.
Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology

Educator Grants - Spark New Ideas: Innovation Grants for Creative Classrooms​

Peoria Education Foundation
Association/Society
Maricopa County, Arizona
Up to US $5,000

Peoria Education Foundation

The Peoria Education Foundation was established in 1987 as the Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization administers two primary programs: college scholarships to students who have overcome extraordinary circumstances and grants to teachers for innovative classroom programs.

In 2012, the organization changed names to the Peoria Education Foundation, however the mission remains the same - support excellence in the Peoria Unified School District. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $2,000,000 in scholarships to students and grants to teachers in the Peoria Unified School District.

Educator Grants - Spark New Ideas: Innovation Grants for Creative Classrooms​

The Peoria Education Foundation enriches and supports educational excellence in the Peoria Unified School District by awarding grants to teachers and principals for projects outside the normal operating budget. The benefits of a grant project often go beyond the one-semester term of the actual award. New materials and equipment may support the regular curriculum for years to come.

Teachers could apply for funding for innovative grants that would enhance academic achievement and be replicated in another classroom. If approved, teachers would hold a PD session on replicating it. This application is available now and will remain online for teachers to apply all year. 

Academic Success & Enrichment Teacher Development & Training

Classroom Creativity Microgrants

Buncombe County Partnership
Private
Buncombe County, North Carolina
US $200

Who We Are

Buncombe Partnership for Children is on a mission to strengthen the capacity of educators, families, and the community to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development beginning at birth.

The majority of brain development happens during the first 2,000 days—the time between birth and kindergarten–forming the foundation for all future learning. This is why we invest in children from ages birth to 5 years old and their families, caretakers, and educators by partnering with local organizations to:

  • improve the quality of early childhood education;
  • increase access to affordable, high quality early care;
  • expand early literacy opportunities;
  • encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and outdoor play;
  • provide family support.

We value lifelong learning and believe that each child’s first 2,000 days are crucial. Our vision is that every child in our community will reach their fullest potential and be prepared for lifelong success.

Classroom Creativity Microgrants

We invite early educators working with children ages 0 – 5 to apply for $200 microgrants for a project you’d like to run in your classroom.

Our intention is to elevate teacher voice, creativity, and expertise by funding classroom projects that are designed and carried-out by early childhood classroom teachers.

Education - Preschool / Early Learning Early Childhood Development

FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program

Montgomery County Government
State/Local Government
Montgomery County, Maryland
Unspecified amount

FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications for the County’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Lighthouse Grant Program from qualified organizations. The FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program expects to provide one umbrella (lead) organization a total of $3,993,574 in county funds. Potential applicants must note that the Montgomery County Council has not yet appropriated the funds to support this Grant Program and final funding amounts may change. The awarded applicant will have an opportunity to revise their budget and proposal to match the actual appropriated amount. If the County Council substantively changes the scope or the terms of this Grant Program through the appropriations process, a new NOFO will be issued to reflect their decisions. Applicants would then need to submit a new proposal based on the updated scope and requirements. 

The awarded organization will lead a coordinated network of community-based partners to deliver comprehensive, culturally, and linguistically responsive services that promote stabilization, integration, and long-term self-sufficiency. This includes implementing a centralized intake and needs assessment system; providing navigation to critical services such as housing, healthcare, education, immigration legal services, intensive case management, and strong outreach to diverse immigrant populations across the County. Services must also incorporate preparedness planning for families facing immigration-related disruptions, along with fraud prevention, and safeguards against notario exploitation. Applicants must demonstrate strong partnership development, coalition leadership, and capacity-building efforts, including establishing a community advisory board and supporting partner organizations to ensure coordinated, equitable, and responsive service delivery systems.

Immigrant Services Basic Human Needs

Wappingers Rotary Scholarship

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Private
United States
US $500 - US $2,500

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Wappingers Rotary Scholarship

Established by the Rotary Club of Wappingers Falls, scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Roy C. Ketcham High School or who reside in the RCK area who have demonstrated involvement/leadership in community service activities and an ability to succeed in their chosen field.

Type of Award

One-time non renewable scholarship payable to school

Current High School

Roy C. Ketcham High School or resident in the RCK district

Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

National Federation Of The Blind Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships and Awards

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

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vision Impairment Care & Services

Shakespeare in American Communities Grant

Arts Midwest
Private
United States
US $15,000 - US $30,000
The Shakespeare in American Communities Grant, funded by Arts Midwest, supports professional theater companies in the U.S. to produce Shakespeare's works and conduct educational activities. This initiative aims to engage middle and high school students, particularly from underserved communities, through performances and interactive workshops. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in theater education and comply with federal regulations. The program emphasizes accessibility, aiming to enrich students' understanding of Shakespeare's relevance in contemporary society.
Theater

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
Approximately US $200

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts

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.