Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Pierce's Disease and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board provides vital funding for research and outreach projects aimed at protecting vineyards from serious pests and diseases. Focus areas include Pierce's disease, grapevine red blotch, and various insect threats, with awards ranging from $4,300 to $383,000. The program encourages multi-disciplinary projects that deliver practical solutions to enhance the sustainability of California's winegrape industry.

Bethany Legacy Foundation

For more than a century, the Bethany name has stood for compassion in action. Today, we carry that legacy forward by uniting the community around innovative, lasting solutions that strengthen well-being across Jefferson County, Indiana.

Bethany Legacy Foundation exists to build a healthier Jefferson County, IN. by listening first, collaborating widely, and investing wisely. Our mission is to bring people together to create sustainable change where it’s needed most.

Grants

Legacy 2030: Our Primary Focus Areas

Our six-year strategic plan aims to create a sustainable community where individuals of all ages can access the necessary resources and services to thrive. A strong workforce is the cornerstone, supported by ensuring youth, adults, and seniors have equitable access to transportation, mental health, and social services to promote well-being and independence. Our efforts and investments will focus on prevention, root causes, and initiatives that create a path to self-reliance.

The following outlines our Focus Areas, goals, and objectives for our Community and the People who live here:

Community

We aim for a Thriving Workforce that makes Jefferson County a desirable place to live and work and attracts and retains top talent.

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Expand access and options for quality Childcare to improve outcomes for families and businesses
• Build stability through access to quality, safe and affordable Housing
• Expand Recreation options to promote health, connections, and a high quality of life
• Build skills and knowledge through Professional Development to enhance and advance careers

People

We aim for Strong Youth, Empowered Adults, and Stable Seniors in Jefferson County with the following outcomes if achieved:

• Kids that have a strong foundation and build resilience
• Adults that are healthy, educated, and productive citizens
• Seniors that are independent and Grow Old with Love and Dignity (GOLD)

To achieve this, we seek proposals, projects, and efforts that:

• Build Mental Health resilience and healing through holistic and preventative approaches
• Bridge distances by increasing options and access to Transportation
• Grow Social Services that strengthen and empower individuals and families

BLF uses an open application process to collect and review project ideas that align with BLF Focus Areas There are three types of applications: Long Application; Short Application; and Capacity Building Application.

BLF Grants: Short Application

• For requests of $50,000 or less in total funding, including multi-year requests
• Projects must support BLF Pillars and Focus Areas to be consider for funding
• Only one application form is submitted for review
• Approx 6-week process starting from application submission

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Mississippi offers vital funding to enhance drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage for rural households and businesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes facing challenges in securing commercial credit. Funds can be used for construction, legal fees, land acquisition, and other essential project costs. This program aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation in underserved areas.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Minnesota provides essential funding for rural areas to ensure access to clean drinking water and effective waste management systems. Eligible uses include the construction, improvement, and maintenance of drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater management. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in areas with populations of 10,000 or less, promoting public health and environmental sustainability.

The CAL FIRE Forest Health Program aims to enhance the resilience of California's forests against wildfires, drought, and pests caused by climate change and land management practices. Funding supports large-scale projects focused on restoring forest health, protecting watersheds, and promoting carbon storage through reforestation. Grants range from $750,000 to $7 million, targeting projects that yield climate benefits and further state forest management goals.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Michigan provides essential funding for the development and enhancement of drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports qualified applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, who struggle to secure commercial credit. Funds can be used for various activities, from construction to legal fees, ensuring clean and reliable services for communities.

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.

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.

ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.

The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds

All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Benefit at least 51% low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or clearance of slum and blight
• Meet an urgent need

The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.

Competitive Fund

ADECA annually awards CDBG money for the Large City, Small City and County categories. Applicants are scored based on several competitive factors including community need, cost efficiency, appropriateness and impact. Applications deadlines are announced during the annual workshop in the first quarter of the year.

Competitive categories are:

• Small City Fund (3,000 or less population)
• Large City Fund (>3,000 population)
• County Fund

Grant Ceiling

The Small City Fund has a ceiling of $400,000. The Large City Fund and County Fund both have ceilings of $500,000.

Typical Activities

• Water and sewer extensions and rehabilitation
• Housing rehabilitation
• Neighborhood & downtown revitalization
• Street and drainage improvements

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Project Feasibility Fund

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

The purpose of this fund is to provide applicants with a source of funding to cover predevelopment project costs as described below in order to answer the question “is the project feasible?”. Evaluation of feasibility fund requests is done by VHCB staff.

Amount of Award

Conservation applicants may request up to $10,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses. Housing applicants may request up to $20,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses and up to $25,000 for scattered site projects containing more than two separate sites. Funds can only be used to compensate contracted services and shall not be used to compensate applicants for staff time.

The Olive Tree Foundation Grant Program supports Canadian charities by awarding grants that address various community needs. In 2024, funding priorities include anti-racism, Indigenous initiatives, interfaith projects, climate action, and youth services. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or have a registered charity sponsor. Funding amounts vary based on available resources and community impact potential, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing social issues.

The Central Montcalm Community Foundation offers various scholarships aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for local students. Scholarships like the Dr. Victor Beal Jr. Scholarship and the Ronald R. Burkholder Athletic and Educational Scholarship focus on academic achievement and community involvement. With funding sourced from endowed funds, these scholarships support students pursuing further education at colleges and universities, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's youth and fostering a culture of academic excellence and service.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation aims to enhance life quality in Nemaha County by fostering philanthropy to create a lasting endowment. This fund will address evolving community needs and support cultural, educational, and health initiatives. We encourage local non-profits to apply for grants focused on various areas, including arts, education, and health care, to help make Nemaha County a vibrant place to live and work.

The Local Environment Fund, managed by the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment, offers financial support for community-driven nature recovery projects in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, promote public engagement with nature, and ensure accessibility to local green spaces for all, including those with mobility challenges. Grants focus on projects that foster awareness of the natural world, benefiting both wildlife and community members.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The Grants for Greater Manhattan program supports initiatives in arts, humanities, education, health care, and community development, primarily benefiting residents of Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. It prioritizes funding for activities requiring ongoing support but excludes school gardening projects and requests from for-profit organizations, unless for scholarships or free services for low-income individuals. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life and community engagement across various sectors.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers large grants over $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma and the Pikes Peak region. It focuses on projects that enhance arts, education, health, and community well-being. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with the foundation's mission. Prioritization is given to organizations with a broad community impact and innovative programming. Note that requests for ongoing support or capital projects are not eligible. A Letter of Intent is required one month prior to the application deadline.

The Community Stewardship Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance the quality of life in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties by awarding $6,500 to nonprofit organizations. This fund seeks to address evolving community needs by funding impactful projects that are actionable and clearly communicated. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and operate within the Greater Kankakee River Valley area, prioritizing categories such as education, health, and community services.

The GreenState Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through initiatives focused on Financial Education, Housing, and Children's Health. By supporting local 501(c)3 nonprofits, the foundation seeks to enhance financial literacy, provide affordable housing solutions, and promote the health of youth. With a commitment to improving quality of life, the foundation invites grant applications that align with its mission, emphasizing community-driven projects that foster sustainable growth and well-being for all.

The South32 Hermosa Community Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, focusing on education, economic participation, health, and natural resource resilience. Grants of up to $80,000 are available each cycle, with requests up to $10,000 considered. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing and demonstrate local leadership. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects that enhance community skills and capacities, ensuring equal opportunities for all, while maintaining a commitment to diversity.

The Robert E & Evelyn McKee Foundation Grant focuses on charitable purposes, primarily supporting organizations that qualify under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. It awards funds in various areas including civic, cultural, education, healthcare, and youth activities. Eligible recipients are local charities and certain selected colleges for scholarships. However, the foundation does not fund other foundations, organizations outside the U.S., or individual financial aid. Awards are guided by IRS minimum requirements.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama offers community grants aimed at supporting charitable initiatives in various sectors including arts, education, health, and social welfare. Established in 1999, the foundation prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and foster collaboration. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in specific Alabama counties, but do not fund individuals or religious purposes. The foundation prefers requests that demonstrate clear impact and sustainable financial planning.

The Chaney Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the welfare of children and families while promoting public safety in Barry County, Missouri; Cabell County, West Virginia; and Jackson & Josephine Counties, Oregon. Grants up to $15,000 are available for West Virginia organizations, while those in Oregon and Missouri can apply for up to $10,000, focusing on human services, faith-based programs, and public safety initiatives.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Social Justice Fund offers General Support Grants to enhance the capacity of organizations focused on advocacy, mobilization, and healing within underserved communities in Pittsburgh. These grants provide essential operating support, fostering long-term planning and development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored collectives that benefit Allegheny County residents and address social justice issues. Preference is given to projects led by impacted communities, emphasizing equitable representation and addressing historical injustices.

The Covington Education Foundation Grant supports educational enrichment projects in Covington, Ohio. Non-profit organizations and Covington Exempted Village Schools can apply quarterly for funding to enhance academic achievement, performing and fine arts, athletics, and general enrichment programs. Applications are reviewed in January, April, July, and October, with deadlines on the 15th of the preceding month. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and improve educational opportunities for local residents.