Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Research Training Grant supports institutions in developing clinical and translational science training programs. This program aims to enhance the research training of postdoctoral individuals holding doctoral degrees, ensuring a diverse pool of scientists equipped to tackle critical health challenges. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, and non-U.S. entities are not eligible.

The Lenoir County Community Foundation Grant Program, established in 1993, supports local charitable initiatives through competitive grants. It primarily serves organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or local government units, including public schools. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000 and are aimed at enhancing community life in Lenoir County. This program encourages diverse organizations to apply, excluding those that engage in political lobbying or faith-based exclusivity.

The Bloomberg Data Science Ph.D. Fellowship invites exceptional doctoral students to apply for support in groundbreaking research for the 2024-2025 academic year. The fellowship covers full tuition and provides a stipend of $42,000, along with mentorship and internship opportunities. Applicants must be full-time students with a graduation date by 2027 and must complete a 14-week research internship. This prestigious fellowship aims to foster innovation in AI/ML research and contribute to the field's advancement.

The Associates of the Montana Contractors Association Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Montana State University. This scholarship, which varies in amount, is intended for full-time students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have junior status or higher. Montana State University is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities and financial support to students with strong academic records and potential for success.

The Sustainability Project Grant by the DOE Office of Sustainability supports NYC Public Schools in implementing impactful sustainability projects. Schools can apply for funding up to $5,000 for initiatives that enhance environmental education, create gardens, or promote climate action. The grant aims to empower diverse school communities and foster climate literacy, ultimately contributing to healthier environments and social equity. Priority is given to schools with higher economic need and those that haven't received funding previously.

The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is an unrestricted endowment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Iowa County, WI. Focused on supporting seniors, it funds projects that provide recreational opportunities, quality of life improvements, and community events honoring senior contributions. Annually, a portion of the fund's earnings is allocated to grants for the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education, fostering community enrichment.

Our Mission

Founded in 1987, the Foundation has a mission to provide resources to deliver the benefits of parks and recreation to all.

Our Vision

To build a better Iowa through parks and recreation.

Slattery / Trueblood Professional Award

The highest professional award in IPRA, the Slattery/Trueblood Professional encompasses many traits. To be considered for this award, the nominee should be a person who has given of themselves as they work with their clientele. Their everyday life should exemplify outstanding, dedicated, and unselfish service to the profession, community, and to IPRA.

Any IPRA member in good standing may nominate candidates for each award. The nominees may be endorsed by other members of the IPRA with the exception of Awards Committee members. Awards Committee members may not nominate, sponsor, or write letters of support for nominees.

The nomination should be typewritten or legibly printed and include the appropriate information as stated for each award. Nominations should include any supporting data, such as letters of support, copies of news releases, etc. Each nomination must include the nomination cover sheet, as well as all applicable nomination criteria listed in this brochure.

About the KBF

Guided by a clear purpose and a deep sense of responsibility, the Kentucky Bar Foundation is committed to fueling access to justice and expanding legal knowledge throughout the Commonwealth. We envision a Kentucky where justice is within reach for all and we bring that vision to life through values rooted in integrity, compassion, service, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Signature Justice Grant

We award a $50,000 grant to support bold, innovative projects that create lasting improvements in access to justice and legal education across Kentucky.

About the Signature Justice Grant 

The Signature Justice Grant is a new opportunity from the Kentucky Bar Foundation to invest in bold ideas that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting difference. 

Unlike KBF's regular annual grants, which support a broad range of important programs and services throughout Kentucky, the Signature Justice Grant is intended for a single transformative project. 

KBF is looking for projects that are new, innovative, or represent a substantial expansion of an existing initiative. The project should address a significant need and have the potential to improve access to justice or expand legal knowledge in ways that can continue beyond the grant period. 

The Signature Justice Grant is an additional grant opportunity and will not replace or reduce KBF's regular annual grantmaking.

KBF is looking for projects that think differently about how access to justice or legal education can be improved. An innovative or transformative project may introduce a new approach, technology, partnership, service model, or resource; significantly expand the reach or impact of an existing program; or address a longstanding need in a new and potentially more effective way. 

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The Hometown Partners Giving Circle Grant Program aims to strengthen communities in Aurora, Marionville, and Verona by fully funding impactful projects. The program, managed by the Aurora Area Community Foundation, invites nonprofit organizations to submit proposals. Eligible applicants include IRS-approved entities that serve the local area and can attend a check presentation on May 17, 2025. Grant submissions are accepted from March 17 to April 11, 2025, fostering collaboration and community enhancement.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program aims to fund innovative research teams from U.S. universities. Established in 1985, this initiative addresses complex challenges faced by the Department of War, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines. By integrating world-class faculty and graduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce poised to enhance the U.S. defense capabilities and contribute to the advancement of the defense industrial base.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The CERSP Grant Program, administered by Harlem CDC, aims to provide financial assistance for initiatives and events that align with the mission of Harlem CDC. Funded through contributions from Columbia University, this program supports community and economic revitalization efforts in New York State, promoting local economic growth and job creation. With a focus on inclusivity and development, CERSP seeks to enhance the quality of life and opportunities within diverse neighborhoods.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA, under the leadership of the commissioner of education, carries out the following functions:

• Administers the distribution of state and federal funding to public schools
• Administers the statewide assessment program and accountability system
• Provides support to the State Board of Education (SBOE) in the development of the statewide curriculum
• Assists the SBOE in the instructional materials adoption process and managing the instructional materials distribution process
• Administers a data collection system on public school information
• Performs the administrative functions and services of the State Board for Educator Certification
• Supports agency operations, including carrying out duties related to the Permanent School Fund
• Monitors for compliance with certain federal and state guidelines.

Online Educator Resources Production and Maintenance Services

The purpose of the 2026–2029 Online Educator Resources Production and Maintenance Services grant is to provide and support content development, adaptation, management, and maintenance of professional learning content and instructional resources within TEA Learn, the statewide Learning Management System (LMS). This grant offers strategic support for the development of professional, high-quality learning resources, from project planning and learning design to media production and marketing, it additionally provides support for the transition of existing instructional materials into accessible, high-quality digital formats, optimized for delivery through Canvas and other supported platforms. Services include project planning, instructional design for platform integration, media production, and marketing. These digital professional learning resources are designed to enhance instructional practices and support educators across Texas. The grant also supports the expansion of TEA’s digital credentialing program and the sustainability of online and hybrid learning offerings.

The Colorado Bar Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in Colorado by funding programs that improve legal services for the disadvantaged, promote law-related education, and enhance the administration of justice. With a 70-year history and over $2.5 million awarded, the Foundation emphasizes community needs and innovative projects. Organizations are encouraged to apply for specific program expenses, with a focus on clarity, financial stability, and the likelihood of success. Applications are accepted annually from March 1 to May 24.

In July of 1991 Martin County Board of County Commissioners entered into a planned unit development (PUD) agreement for the development of the Indiantown Cogeneration Project. A condition of the PUD agreement required the establishment of the Indiantown Community Trust Fund with the interest from the trust fund used for projects which benefit the Indiantown community and have a general synergy with the Indiantown Cogeneration Project. The trust fund has been accruing interest since October 21, 1992. The committee annually reviews applications for proposed projects and makes recommendations for funding for the projects from the accrued interest of the trust fund subject to final approval by the Village Council.The trust income shall be used solely for projects benefiting Indiantown. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to:

• General training programs for local residents;
• Day care facilities;
• Recreation facilities;
• Community center;
• General community beautification projects; and
• ‘Seed money’ for use in community programs for matching fund programs.

The Gregg E. Hosack Scholarship Endowment aims to support residents of the City of Hopewell and nearby areas pursuing higher education. Established in memory of Gregg E. Hosack, the scholarship awards $1,000 to eligible applicants based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Applicants must provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, to demonstrate their commitment to education. This scholarship encourages individuals to achieve their academic goals while honoring Mr. Hosack's legacy of service and support.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The Jefferson Community Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit initiatives aimed at benefiting the Jefferson School District community. It funds projects that are educational, cultural, charitable, or innovative, with a focus on addressing community needs. Grants are awarded biannually, and applicants must be tax-exempt organizations serving the public. This fund aims to enhance the community's future by supporting meaningful projects within a one-year timeframe.

 Wayne Community Foundation

The Wayne Community Foundation is an organization designed to assist and benefit the citizens of Wayne County. The goal is to provide an efficient entity to accept and administer funds in the manner prescribed by each donor.

Wayne Community Foundation is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nationally certified foundation.

Seeds for Success Grant

The Wayne Community Foundation plays a key role in providing significant funding to projects that strengthen the Wayne County community. We have intentionally created this grant making cycle to award a grant that will have a major significant impact in the Wayne County community. Seeds of Success projects must demonstrate how they will serve as a catalyst, go above and beyond, and bring innovation to all of Wayne County.

The Seeds for Success Grant is awarded to help large projects get started or completed. 

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

The Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, these grants focus on the arts, education, health and human services, and resource preservation. They aim to provide long-term, tangible benefits to the community, encouraging nonprofits to propose impactful solutions to pressing needs.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

The NIH R25 program promotes broad participation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences by supporting educational activities. It aims to encourage individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to engage in research through mentoring networks and research education experiences. This initiative seeks to enhance the workforce by providing opportunities for further study and career advancement in research fields, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Teens Active in Grantmaking (TAG)

TAG (Teens Active in Grantmaking) is a chance for high school students in Quincy to make real change in their community. From September to May, TAG members meet monthly to explore the world of community leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Through hands-on learning, guest speakers, and team collaboration, members gain a deeper understanding of local issues and how nonprofits make a difference.

Whether you're passionate about mental health, food access, education, or creating more opportunities for youth, TAG gives you the tools (and trust!) to turn ideas into impact.

The Andover Greater Together Community Fund Grant aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support ranging from $250 to $10,000. Established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this initiative encourages civic engagement and community ownership of local needs. It invites registered nonprofits and the Town of Andover to apply, fostering growth in philanthropy and volunteerism within the Greater Hartford region. This funding opportunity addresses community priorities while enhancing awareness of local challenges and opportunities.

The Jack Lewis Safety Fund, established by the Walter Scott Family Foundation, honors Dr. Jack K. Lewis and supports Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities. Grants up to $50,000 are available for safety-related projects, including equipment, training, and facility improvements. Applicants must serve communities with 5,000 or fewer residents or be located in specific counties. Priority is given to projects showcasing local fundraising and collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round with specific deadlines for review cycles.