Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arizona provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. It supports local governments, non-profits, and tribes with financing for projects that ensure reliable services. Funds can cover construction, engineering costs, and necessary equipment, promoting healthier communities and sustainable development in rural settings.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alaska provides essential funding for rural areas to develop clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water management. This program supports local governments, nonprofits, and tribes lacking commercial credit options. Eligible projects include the construction and improvement of water treatment facilities, sewer systems, and solid waste management. The initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental quality while ensuring access to vital resources for communities.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alabama aims to provide essential funding for clean drinking water systems and sanitary waste management in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports the construction and improvement of water sourcing, sewer systems, and stormwater drainage, ensuring reliable services for households and businesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, promoting access to crucial resources in underserved regions.

The Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants, provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, aim to enhance soil and water quality in Wisconsin. By funding innovative, producer-led conservation practices, the program encourages farmer participation and has significantly increased funding and project numbers since its inception. With 41 projects funded, this initiative represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and effective nonpoint source pollution management.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality offers funding through low-interest loans, Principal Forgiveness, and grants for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. These financial resources support the construction of infrastructure to improve water quality and address emerging contaminants. Eligible applicants include municipalities and public authorities. The program emphasizes sustainability, with additional funding for green initiatives and studies addressing PFAS contamination. This initiative promotes community health and environmental protection through enhanced water management.

The Greenville Youth Advisory Council (GYAC) Grant Cycle, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, empowers local youth through philanthropy, having established an endowment exceeding $1 million. This initiative encourages community engagement by funding projects addressing critical youth issues such as mental health, racism, and bullying. Nonprofits, schools, and municipalities in the greater Greenville area are invited to apply, fostering collaboration and addressing the community's pressing needs based on regular student surveys.

The Wish Book Grant, initiated by the San Jose Mercury News, supports local nonprofits in the Bay Area by providing funding through a holiday fundraising campaign. Each year, approximately 20 grantees are selected based on their impactful initiatives that address community needs, including homelessness, food insecurity, and systemic racism. Since its inception, the program has raised over $12 million, connecting readers with opportunities to support meaningful causes during the holiday season.

The Wish Book Grants program by the Pittsburgh Foundation supports nonprofits in specific Pennsylvania counties. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) certified, allow only one wish submission, and focus on general operating support. The grants, capped at $5,000, aim to enhance community services. In 2023, $670,000 was raised for 100 organizations. The program thrives on donor contributions and seeks to align with the Foundation's areas of interest, including arts, economic mobility, and social justice.

About Us

Our Mission

The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.

The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.

The Commission is supported by in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Individual Artist Fellowship

Recognition and acknowledgement of outstanding professional Tennessee artists who, through their work add to the cultural vitality of the state.

Fellowships provide those individuals who by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular art form or discipline, and live and work in Tennessee. To qualify, an artist must be financially compensated for his or her work, and this compensation must be a significant source of support for their livelihood.

Accepted categories for FY 2028:

• Visual Art:
  • Two-Dimensional Work
  • Mural Arts
  • Craft
• Media:
  • Film
  • Photography
• Dance:
  • Solo Dance, Choreography, or Movement-based Work
• Music:
• Performance-based Work
• Composition-based Work
• Theatre:
• Acting or Directing
• Playwriting
• Production Design (set, lighting, or costume)
• Literary Arts:
• Creative Non-fiction
• Fiction
• Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
• Poetry

Hawai‘i’s Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) offers vital planning and financial support to private forest landowners in Hawaii. Aimed at promoting long-term stewardship and conservation, the program provides a 10-year management roadmap and financial incentives, including up to 75% cost-share reimbursement for developing forest management plans. With a focus on enhancing forest resource values, FSP encourages diverse management objectives like native species restoration and habitat improvement, ensuring sustainable forestry practices benefit both public and private interests.

Maternal Health Grant Program

Florida Blue Foundation is funding approximately $3 million for this grant program, offering four year grants. The total funding request for the grant period should fall within the range of $300,000 to $400,000, with an approximate annual allocation of $75,000 to $100,000.

The Southern Plains Grassland Grant Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore vital grasslands in the Southern Great Plains. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and ranching communities, the program enhances ecosystem health and resilience while providing financial resources. Additionally, it supports carbon storage efforts, benefiting both wildlife and rural economies. Key funding partners include Sysco, Burger King, Cargill, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Cemala Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Greensboro by supporting strategic investments in community projects. With an emphasis on early childhood development, transformational spaces, and workforce training, the foundation aims to build a thriving community. Organizations promoting Continuous Quality Improvement are encouraged to apply for funding. This grant is vital for initiatives that address the evolving needs of Greensboro residents and foster sustainable growth.

Improving Maternal and Infant Health by Addressing Community Barriers to Healthcare Access 

The Public Health Fund of Ohio (PHFO), in partnership with the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio (HealthPath), seeks to improve maternal and infant health by investing in sustainable approaches that strengthen access to prenatal, postpartum, and infant healthcare.

A total of up to $300,000 is available through this funding opportunity. PHFO and HealthPath anticipate awarding up to six grants of up to $50,000 each over the two-year grant period. 

The AllOne Charities Grant aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania by funding innovative and collaborative projects. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and prioritize programs that address pressing health challenges, improve access to care, and support vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the under-insured. Organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and employ at least one staff member to be eligible for funding.

The Harold T. Southern Family Foundation Grant, established in 2014, honors Harold and Mildred Southern, promoting education and environmental conservation in North and South Carolina. The foundation supports tennis youth programs and protects natural resources in Western North Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications focus on environmental initiatives, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for future generations while fostering a love for nature and community engagement through sports.

 

Environmental Facilities Corporation

The mission of the Environmental Facilities Corporation is to assist communities throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. A primary goal is to ensure that these projects remain affordable while safeguarding essential water resources. We support this mission by consistently using an innovative approach to developing and advancing new financing strategies to maximize the funding that can be made available to our clients, aiding compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promoting green infrastructure practices.

Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants (IMG) 

The Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants (IMG) program is available for both drinking water and wastewater projects that serve multiple municipalities, such as a shared water quality infrastructure project or the interconnection of multiple municipal water systems.

IMG Clean Water and Drinking Water Projects

Cooperating municipalities with an eligible joint project may receive an IMG grant award as described below:

• The lesser of $30 million or 40% of net eligible project costs.

• A municipality is limited to receiving one IMG grant per year. There is not a separate application for IMG. EFC and DOH will determine if a project is eligible for an IMG award based on answers submitted in the application and applicable documents uploaded in the application. 

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

MDOT Urban Tree Grant Program

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has joined forces with the Maryland Urban & Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) and the Maryland Forestry Foundation to provide grants aimed at bolstering the preservation and enrichment of Maryland's urban tree cover and forest ecosystems. MDOT's grant initiative specifically targets areas affected by the construction of transportation facilities, with a particular focus on those grappling with heat island effects or environmental justice concerns.

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

Mel Fellowship Program

The Maryland Forestry Foundation is pleased to offer four annual Mel Fellowships to Maryland college students for $10,000 per Fellowship.

Made possible by an annual grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Mel Fellowship program is intended to encourage students to pursue careers in Natural Resources and Urban Forestry and to help them matriculate in a Natural Resources-related field of study.

The Cultural Facilities Grant supports organizations focused on cultural programming through funding for renovation, construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. Eligible applicants must conduct arts and cultural programming at least 85% of the time, meet legal status requirements, and have matching funds documented. The program excludes funding for projects such as parking facilities and commercial endeavors. This grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape in Florida by ensuring facilities are accessible and adequately funded for community engagement.

The Food Waste Reduction Grant aims to assist local governments, non-profits, and businesses in minimizing food waste sent to landfills. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, this program encourages proposals that enhance food donation networks or composting operations. Funds are to be allocated towards developing infrastructure for food waste reduction, ensuring excess food is redirected to those in need through food banks and composting facilities.

Womens Foundation Of California

Since our founding in 1979, our work at Women’s Foundation California has evolved and expanded. Over the decades, we have celebrated our milestones and reflected on our journey as we continue to push towards what’s next. The Women’s Foundation California is a statewide, publicly supported foundation dedicated to achieving racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice by centering the experience and expertise of communities most impacted by systemic injustice. Our vision is to build a feminist future for California.

We amplify, mobilize, and redistribute power and resources to community leaders advancing racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice. This is achieved through grants to community-led organizations, grassroots leadership training through the Solís Policy Institute, and convenings to unite advocates, donors, policymakers, grantmakers, academics, and others, sharing knowledge to strengthen California’s social justice movement.

Bea Solís Power Fund

Our Bea Solís Power Fund invests in the leadership of our Solís Policy Institute alum as they continue to build racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice beyond our training.

This year, our Bea Solís Power Fund solidified our commitment to empowering transformation by disbursing $18,000 in small grants for essential resources to support alums to continue with their advocacy work.

Together, we can ensure that the creative doers and thinkers, movers, and shakers across our SPI alum network have the resources they need to build our shared feminist future. 

The Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Mini-Grants program by Valley Water supports community-led projects in Santa Clara County focused on safe drinking water, conservation, and flood protection. With grants up to $10,000 and no matching funds required, the program aims to empower diverse organizations to implement impactful projects. Recent updates streamline the application process and expand eligible costs, making it easier for community members to contribute to environmental stewardship and public benefit.

The Consumers Energy Foundation Grant aims to assist Michigan communities by funding innovative projects that enhance people's lives, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity. Eligible applicants must align their initiatives with the foundation's focus areas, which include reducing poverty, environmental preservation, and economic development. Notably, the foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations based in Michigan, while also considering projects that significantly benefit the state. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and grant standards before applying.

The Habitat Conservation Grants program by Wildlife Habitat Canada focuses on supporting vital conservation, restoration, and enhancement projects aimed at protecting wetlands and migratory game birds. With an investment of approximately $150 million, this initiative relies on non-federal matching funds to enhance the ecological integrity of Canadian habitats. Eligible projects include wetland restoration, vegetation planting, and invasive species removal, contributing significantly to the preservation of wildlife and their habitats.

The Oregon Sea Grant Activity and Conference Support Grant offers funding opportunities to university-based researchers focused on ocean and coastal issues. This grant promotes collaboration among scientists and stakeholders, enhancing understanding and resilience within Oregon's coastal communities. Resources are available for conferences and activities that align with the strategic goals of Oregon Sea Grant. Applications can be submitted as needed, with a review period of 60 days for funding decisions.