Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

The Music Therapy Impact Fund Grant offers funding for music interventions aimed at addressing the spiritual, developmental, and physical needs of individuals in Butte County. This grant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that anyone who submits a request form can receive support, as long as funds are available. The program focuses on assisting individuals with Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, and at-promise youth, striving to maintain low or no costs for participants.

The Ally Charitable Foundation focuses on advancing economic mobility and reducing inequities through targeted grants. Their key areas include affordable housing, financial education, and workforce development, aiming to support nonprofit organizations that provide essential resources to underserved communities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the U.S., demonstrating compliance with various guidelines and attesting to a non-discrimination policy. This strategic approach fosters impactful collaborations to inspire social change.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages program is designed to provide essential drinking water and waste disposal systems to remote Alaskan villages. By addressing dire sanitation conditions, the program ensures access to clean water and improves public health in communities that are often isolated. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants cover up to 75% of project costs, promoting sustainable infrastructure in areas facing unique challenges due to geography and climate.

DC Health

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of  residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is  responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases,  injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations;  and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

HAHSTA Prevention Services

Purpose

This funding announcement is to support a comprehensive approach that identifies and prevents HIV, STI, and HBV/HCV among populations, such African American women, youth (18-24), men who engage in male to male sexual contact (MMSC), biological males who identify as female, biological females who identify as male, African American males, unhoused individuals, and others most at risk for exposure. Applicants should ensure that all people are aware of their health status and of methods to reduce their risk of these diseases. This approach may lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced self-efficacy, improved health literacy, viral suppression, and reduced new infections. The framework fully supports the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) in the District of Columbia (DC).

Applicants who exhibit the capacity to deliver comprehensive HIV prevention activities that include HIV, STI, and HBV/HCV screening and delivery of PrEP/PEP education will be considered for funding. Services are to be fully accessible and well-suited to each population’s behavioral and cultural settings.

El Paso County Community Development Block Grant

Since 2009, El Paso County Community Development Block Grant funds have been awarded to local jurisdictions and non-profit organizations. Agencies with experience administering federal funding will likely have adequate internal controls and policies to successfully implement a CDBG funded project. Eligible projects are those that serve low-to-moderate income residents (LMI), create jobs for low-to-moderate income clients (LMJ), or serve a low-to-moderate income area (LMA) within El Paso County.

The Skillman Foundation Grant Partners program aims to empower Detroit youth through strategic partnerships that transform education systems. While they typically invite applications proactively, they remain open to connecting with organizations that support young people in Detroit. Eligible partners include nonprofit organizations and public agencies, with a focus on those offering inclusive opportunities for all youth. The foundation emphasizes advocacy for policy changes that benefit children in the community.

The Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation provides grants to support programs and projects that benefit the people of Maui County. With a legacy rooted in philanthropy, the foundation focuses on areas such as human services, housing, health, education, arts, and environmental preservation. By prioritizing community needs and organizational stability, the foundation aims to create a significant impact through modest grants that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the region.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

IDVA Community Challenge Planning Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS) Governor’s Challenge Planning Grant. This application is open to non-profit community coalitions or community coalitions with an established fiduciary agent that is a non-profit organization registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The maximum amount able to be requested is $25,000.00.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs support a public health approach for preventing suicide among service members, veterans, and their families through its Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges. These efforts encourage state participation and help develop the capacity to implement interagency military/civilian action plans grounded in evidence-based suicide prevention practices.

IDVA is participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers (SMVF-CG). The Indiana Governor’s Challenge (IGC) is implementing a state-wide suicide prevention program for SMVF-CG based on best practices while using a public health approach.

Applications for planning grants indicate that community coalitions may need financial assistance to help formulate a detailed and measurable plan of action to address veteran suicide in their community.

Planning grant funds can be used to:

• Develop a strategic plan, including goals, measurable outcomes, monitoring guidelines, and timelines.
• Request funding for a strategic planning consultant who ensures the ideas and goals of the coalition are reflected in the strategic plan.

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs policies. Please see Indiana Code 10-17-13.5 and 914 IAC 1 Grants for Veterans’ Services.

Our Mission

To advance Mayo Clinic’s commitment to be a socially responsible Enterprise by supporting and extending Mayo’s strategic mission of integrated practice, research and education through active community engagement practices.

Our Vision

To be a proactive partner, inclusive of diverse and underserved populations, and contribute to the overall health, sustainability, livability and vibrancy of the many communities we serve. Stakeholders will better understand and appreciate Mayo Clinic’s community engagement practices and our ongoing role in strengthening partnerships and creating positive social impact.

Community Contributions Program in Florida

Mayo Clinic in Florida is a not-for-profit organization with the primary mission of patient care. As a private trust for the public good, Mayo Clinic is dedicated to giving back to its local communities through its Office of Community Relations.

Mayo Clinic partners with others to ensure that:

• Our community investments align with our mission to advance patient care, research and education
• Our community is a welcoming, vibrant and healthy environment
• Our community is an environment that attracts and sustains a diverse Mayo Clinic workforce to provide the best patient care

Program Information

Mayo Clinic considers sponsorship and grant requests from registered 501(c)(3) organizations in northeast Florida for new/ongoing programs or other community outreach activities that support the stated goals. These may include:

• Health and Human Services
• Education and workforce development
• Belonging
• Youth enrichment
• Community events

Each request will be considered for alignment with any of the following health priorities:

• Access to Care
• Mental Health
• Food Environment - access to nutritious food

Access to Care

Mayo Clinic will offer one grant funding opportunity for the Community Health Needs Assessment priority area: Mental Health

The Hardman Fund for North Adams Grant supports projects that enrich the lives of residents in North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, and Stamford, MA. Established by the Hardman families, it focuses on arts, historic preservation, health, education, and social services. The Fund prioritizes initiatives addressing emergency needs and encourages collaborations among organizations. Grants vary based on available funding and project significance, aiming to uplift communities facing economic challenges.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers grants to combat aquatic invasive species, which threaten local ecosystems and economies. Funded by the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds Preservation Account, eligible applicants include state agencies, municipalities, and non-profits. Projects can focus on restoration, research, and public education regarding invasive species management. This initiative promotes the protection of Connecticut's natural water resources and biodiversity, ensuring sustainable environmental practices.

The Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Skin and Joint Grant, offered by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, is aimed at early-career researchers focused on pediatric joint and skin diseases. This grant provides funding of up to $50,000 for one year to support innovative research projects. It encourages applications from diverse fields to advance the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children, fostering new insights and potential breakthroughs in pediatric healthcare.

The Plymale Foundation Grant, established by Robert E. Plymale in 1963 and now part of the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Campbell County and surrounding areas. With approximately $40,000 available annually, grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, focusing on social welfare, healthcare, education, and children's needs. The foundation emphasizes funding special projects rather than operating expenses or capital projects.

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Young Investigator

$100,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the instructor level or higher
• PI must be within 5 years of completing a training fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or a closely related discipline that has direct clinical contact with pediatric cancer patients
• Research must be within 2-3 years to translation to a clinical trial or already associated with a clinical trial

• Evidence of Mentor's commitment to the PI's career development plan
• Translational potential

The Young Woman's Home Association Grant supports nonprofit agencies that serve women and children in Wayne County, Michigan. Established in 1877, the grant aims to enhance education, meet basic needs, and promote cultural enrichment. New applicants must submit their applications by August 1, while returning applicants have until September 1. Unfortunately, requests for general operating expenses, capital improvements, and individual scholarships are typically not considered.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veterans Community. IDVA aims to make Indiana the choice for veterans to Live, Work, and Thrive. 

IDVA Community Challenge Implementation Grant

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is seeking applications for the Grants for Veterans’ Services (GVS) Governor’s Challenge Implementation Grant. This application is open to non-profit community coalitions or community coalitions with an established fiduciary agent that is a non-profit organization registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs support a public health approach for preventing suicide among service members, veterans, and their families through its Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges. These efforts encourage state participation and help develop the capacity to implement interagency military/civilian action plans grounded in evidence-based suicide prevention practices.

IDVA is participating in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers (SMVF-CG). The Indiana Governor’s Challenge (IGC) is implementing a state-wide suicide prevention program for SMVF-CG based on best practices while using a public health approach.

The IGC program will focus on community integration, with programming support from Indiana non-profit agencies. This GVS Governor’s Challenge Implementation Grant and funds will focus on providing programming, support, and services to the Indiana SMVF-CG community that support the three priority groups of the IGC.

The IGC consists of three priority groups:

• Identifying SMVF and Screening for Suicide Risk
• Promoting Connectedness and Improving Care Transitions
• Increasing Lethal Means Storage, Safety, Planning, and Training

All applications, procedures, and documentation should follow the Indiana Code, Indiana Administrative Code, and IDVA policies.

The Zero-Emissions Access Program Grant (WA) aims to fund zero-emission carshare pilot programs in underserved communities with limited public transportation access. Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000, requiring applicants to match at least 10% of project costs. This initiative, supported by Washington's Climate Commitment Act, promotes clean transportation options to enhance mobility in areas facing high emissions.

The Ribbons of Hope Grant, awarded annually by the Ribbons of Hope Foundation since 2012, aims to enhance the lives of women and children through education, health, economic independence, social well-being, and human rights initiatives. Non-profit organizations with a strong operational history and a commitment to impactful programs are encouraged to apply for this $100,000 grant, which supports both ongoing and self-sustaining projects.

The Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Hardin County Schools, specifically Elizabethtown and LaRue County High Schools. This scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated involvement in classical orchestra or music performance, or who plan to pursue music studies, thereby fostering musical education in the community.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.

Bates Philanthropic Initiative

Mission Statement

The Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI) is committed to making a positive impact on our community by ensuring that high school students in Colorado experiencing financial hardship have access to quality post-secondary education and career opportunities with a particular focus on career and technical education (CTE).

We provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors with a financial need who are pursuing post-secondary certifications, associate degrees, and apprenticeships in skills-based fields.

In addition to scholarships, BPI provides grants to nonprofit partners that deliver critical wrap-around services like transportation, childcare, language support, and mentoring to these financially disadvantaged young adults.

Nonprofit Partner Grants

We provide grants to registered Colorado nonprofit partners who deliver critical support services to in-need students and eliminate the barriers to their education. From providing solutions for transportation, child-care, course, certification, and materials fees, and apprenticeship opportunities, nonprofits are at the forefront of making CTE more accessible to our under-served young adults. We are seeking to support nonprofits in expanding their impact.

Who does BPI focus its grants on, and how does this align with its mission?

At BPI, we focus our grants on empowering financially disadvantaged young adults aged 17 to 19 as they transition from high school to adulthood. While we support nonprofit partners serving broader communities, our grants are dedicated to programs that directly benefit this vulnerable group. By concentrating our efforts here, we aim to transform lives and create meaningful opportunities during this critical phase of personal and professional growth.

The United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee offers Community Impact Grants aimed at enhancing health, education, and financial stability in the community. Nonprofits serving these counties are encouraged to apply, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a 501(c)(3) organization and having operational experience of at least two years. This initiative focuses on addressing critical needs such as food security and housing assistance, fostering a sustainable and impactful community.

The General Operating Support Grant Program offers essential funding to non-profit organizations focused on arts and humanities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diverse artistic expressions and community engagement, aligning with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities' goals. The program reviews applications based on three categories: Generalists, Service Organizations, and Capacity Building, ensuring that a significant portion of resources is dedicated to arts and humanities initiatives.

The RESOLVE NOLA Community Impact Grant, launched by United Way of Southeast Louisiana, aims to address the critical shortage of mental health resources for youth in New Orleans. This initiative focuses on providing trauma-informed support to youth of color in communities facing chronic poverty, fostering resilience and promoting positive change. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $25,000 to implement projects targeting behavioral health disparities and social determinants of health.

The Season to Share Grant, presented by the Denver Post Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations committed to helping low-income children, youth, and families in the Denver area. Grant funding focuses on programs addressing children and youth development, health and wellness, homelessness, and hunger. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong outcomes and sustainable funding. Applications are reviewed annually, with a competitive process ensuring that funding is allocated to impactful programs that effectively serve vulnerable populations.