Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Annual SAA/Huntington Fellowship, offered by the Shakespeare Association of America, provides short-term residencies at the Huntington Library for one to three months. This fellowship is aimed at scholars engaged in the advanced study of Shakespeare's works and their cultural contexts. Applicants can apply for additional months or other fellowships directly at the Huntington, enhancing opportunities for research and academic development.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Jack Edwards Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is for a full-time college student, majoring in political science, history, or related subject, who has at least a 2.5 GPA. The scholarship is an annual award and can be renewable. Financial need is a factor but not an overriding criterion.

The Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers program empowers high school students to address critical issues in their communities, focusing on mental health and education equity. With a hands-on, six-month experience, participants engage in grantmaking, community service, and advocacy. In 2025, the program shifted to prioritize mental health and educational resources, ensuring all youth have access to opportunities for success. By supporting nonprofits that provide essential services, the initiative aims to create lasting social change in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund

The Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund has been established to provide scholarships to Harper Creek Community Schools graduating seniors pursing degrees and future employment in the skilled trades. Larry Inman was a Harper Creek High School, class of 1967 graduate. He excelled in many sports, but was an exceptional baseball player. After high school Larry attended Kellogg Community College pursuing a career in Graphic Arts before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Larry fought for his country and was awarded many medals including the Bronze Star. He returned to Battle Creek and retired from the Kellogg Company after 35 years of dedicated employment. Larry was a very kind and generous person who cared about the education of local youth.

The AK Recreational Trails Program Grant supports the development and repair of recreational trails in Alaska, offering 90/10 federal matching funds for both motorized and non-motorized projects. Established in 1993, the program mandates that 30% of funds be allocated to each motorized and non-motorized projects, while 40% supports diversified uses. This initiative has funded over 480 projects in Alaska, enhancing outdoor recreation and promoting environmental protection.

Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is seeking applications for funding to maintain the comprehensive network of trauma-informed services available to victims of crime; to address the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault in a manner that promotes victim safety and offender accountability; to improve the treatment of victims of crime by providing them with the assistance and services necessary to aid their restoration after a criminal act, and to support and aid victims as they move through the criminal and civil justice processes. 

The VA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) provides essential financial and technical assistance for the restoration and protection of wetlands. This program helps landowners enhance habitat for wildlife, improve water quality, and mitigate flooding. NRCS offers various enrollment options, including permanent and 30-year easements, ensuring comprehensive support for landowners. With year-round applications, ACEP is committed to conserving vital agricultural lands and wetlands across Virginia.

The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) aids cultural and historical organizations in preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of Idaho through strong partnerships, connecting people with events, ideas, places, and stories of the past, through projects that are meaningful to their communities, Idahoans, and visitors.

The ISHS Community Enhancement Grants (CEG) support historical organizations in their efforts and projects focused on preserving and interpreting community history. The CEG program provides funds annually for collections management, educational programming, public access, interpretive enhancements, and heritage tourism.

About the Maryland State Department of Education

Maryland has over 1,400 public schools, 24 local education agencies, and over 7,000 child care providers serving all of the state’s 23 counties plus Baltimore City. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) works collaboratively with the State Board of Education and stakeholders to ensure the promise of an excellent and equitable education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. At MSDE, we are a dedicated team of educators, specialists, and administrators joined together by a single vision: to be a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.

Local Early Childhood Advisory Council (LECAC) System Improvement Grant

Purpose

The Local Early Childhood Advisory Council (Local ECAC) Systems Improvement Grant supports local advisory councils in strengthening early childhood systems at the county level.

Local ECACs will use grant funds to conduct or summarize local needs assessments, identify barriers to collaboration, develop local action plans, coordinate local early childhood initiatives, report local priorities to the State ECAC, and support evidence-based quality improvement and improved child outcomes.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Small Grant Program

The EEOST provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit corporations, as defined by M.G.L. c. 180, and to organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest, to develop or improve a child care facility in which at least 50% of the child care enrollment consists of low-income families who are eligible to receive public subsidy. Funding can be utilized for rehabilitation that may include but is not limited to major systems replacement, reconfiguration of classrooms, administrative and staff spaces, and the redesign and renovation of outdoor space.

• Category 1: Improvements to outdoor play spaces including the creation or enhancement of natural play spaces that integrate nature-based materials (e.g. rocks, water, logs, plants) to promote unstructured play, exploration, creativity, and connection to the outdoors.
• Category 2: Investment in improvements to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, including windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
• Category 3: Reconfiguration of indoor spaces, including classrooms, gross motor rooms, and bathrooms.
• Category 4: Emergency repairs and system upgrades that impact the health and safety of occupants including roof replacement and upgrading electrical and life safety systems. Information Technology upgrades or purchases are not eligible and will not be considered.
• Category 5: Physical environment modifications, including accessibility or other improvements to support the inclusion of children and adults with special needs.
• Category 6: Security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats including but not limited to the installation of security cameras and access control systems.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

Iowa Arts Council 

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

Iowa Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant

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

Background

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

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

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

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association Scholarship

For dental hygiene students and Registered Dental Hygienists who are enrolled in an accredited Dental Hygiene School in Georgia, reside in the state of Georgia and intend to practice in Georgia for two years following graduation. Applicants must have completed at least one quarter or semester of study in the dental hygiene curriculum and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Geraldine Grant Memorial Scholarship

The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Community Service and Financial Need. Special consideration will be given to applicants from an underrepresented minority population as well as applicants who intend to major in Business, Accounting, Finance, Management or another business-related field of study. 

The Foundation for Choral Music in Manitoba provides essential support to choirs across the province through grants aimed at enhancing musical projects. With the goal of fostering choral music education and encouraging new works, the FCMM invites individuals and organizations to contribute to its mission. By facilitating professional development for conductors and promoting choral events, the foundation plays a key role in revitalizing the choral community in Manitoba. Applications are welcomed from eligible candidates seeking funding for innovative choral initiatives.

The R Accelerated Award Grants by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aim to support innovative pediatric oncology research. These grants are designed for early-career scientists focused on developing less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Eligible applicants must be first-time principal investigators with a strong institutional backing and a commitment to pediatric cancer research. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and aims to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments, thereby improving outcomes for children with cancer.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels.

Tourism Enhancement Grant

Tourism is one of the largest industries and most important economic drivers in Tennessee. The purpose of this grant is to support Tourism Development projects by eligible grantees to allow for the creation or expansion of physical attractions, facilities, or events that are available and open to the public, that improve the appeal of the destinations to tourists, and that enhance tourist experiences that are primarily promoted to or used by tourists.

• Extra consideration will be given to innovative, cost-effective projects with robust partnerships. Projects must be completed within an approximate 12 -18-month timeframe. Additional requirements may apply for specific projects, depending on their nature. 

• Project must be completed on applicant-owned property, or property leased by the applicant from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers that has a remaining term of at least the useful life of the project.

• A few examples of projects funded previously include: stage and boat ramp improvements, seating, electrical, lighting and sound system upgrades for tourism venues and attractions, wayfinding signage to direct visitors to tourism attractions, enhancements to sports facilities that host large travel tournaments.

• You can propose multiple projects in multiple parts of the county as long as you do not request more than the maximum permitted grant amount.

• Match amount for a county is determined by tier level designation at the time of application submission. Please see the TN Jobs Tax Credit map for your designation. Tier 1: 50/50 match; Tier 2: 70/30 match; Tier 3: 90/10 match; Tier 4: 95/05 match .

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Stages such as music, theatre, etc. if used for tourism events
• Lighting/electrical for tourism-related public spaces
• Boat ramps with public access
• Historic preservation of tourism property or facility
• ADA compliancy resources for tourism assets
• Wayfinding signage (with proper approval from TDOT as needed) 

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Helen Montgomery Musician Fund

The purpose of this fund is to support local minority artists that need assistance in order to pursue musical endeavors/expand their talent through programs associated with schools, church and nonprofit entities with a focus on music.

2026-2027 ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with campuses and provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs that increase opportunities for all students to meet challenging State academic assessment standards. 

The Youth Arts Grant, provided by the City of Seattle: Office of Arts & Culture, aims to enhance arts access for middle and high school youth. This two-year program supports diverse artists and organizations that facilitate after-school arts education. With a total funding of $12,000, priority is given to projects serving underrepresented communities. Eligible applicants include individual artists and cultural organizations committed to fostering creative opportunities for youth facing social inequities.

2026-2027 Jira-Incident Management System (TIMS)

Program Description

The Texas Student Data System (TSDS), a statewide initiative by TEA, modernizes education data collection, management, and reporting to improve student outcomes through enhanced TPEIR reporting. To support TSDS users — including school system administrators and educators — the grantee will host, develop, maintain, and upgrade an automated incident management system/help desk for all user-facing TSDS applications, delivered via the Jira platform.

The Webutuck Quest for Excellence Fund Grant is aimed at fostering academic achievement and creativity within the Webutuck Central School District. It supports projects that encourage high expectations, student initiative, and a love of learning. Eligible projects include independent studies, extracurricular activities, and professional development for teachers. The grant is open to proposals from educators and community members, emphasizing quality and impact over quantity, ensuring a lasting effect on the educational environment.

The HEF Classroom Grant offers funding between $100 and $2,000 for innovative projects by educators in Hillsborough County. Designed to enhance student engagement and learning, this grant encourages applications from teachers, administrators, and support staff for projects that go beyond standard school budgets. Community members can directly support these initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment to enrich education. However, certain items like technology and furniture are not eligible for funding.

This grant aims to recruits outstanding mid-stage investigators to Texas, who have demonstrated the promise for continued and enhanced contributions to the field of cancer research.

The Catharine W. Reid Scholarship Fund, established in 1945 through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides scholarships for students from the Greater Hartford region entering four-year colleges. This fund aims to support 1-2 students each year who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Hartford Foundation has been pivotal in aiding local students with nearly $30 million awarded in scholarships since its inception.

The Brian A. Aselton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors a fallen police officer and supports children of active duty police officers in East Hartford, South Windsor, and Hartford. This scholarship program, part of a broader initiative that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, emphasizes the importance of education and aims to empower students pursuing degrees in criminal justice and related fields.