Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Kaufman Foundation's New Investigator Research Grants support innovative scientists in Pennsylvania transitioning to independent academic roles. Proposals should tackle fundamental questions in biology, physics, and chemistry, aiming for transformative advances. Up to six awards of $150,000 over two years are available. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a recent terminal degree, and have not received substantial NIH funding. Preference is given to those without major external research awards.

ArtLife Foundation Fund

The Art Life Foundation Fund supports programs and initiatives that advance artistic excellence and nurture creativity within Ventura County.

Through this competitive grant opportunity, the fund will support arts organizations and educational institutions whose work:

• Advances artistic excellence
• Supports arts educators or programs that foster the “Creative Mind”
• Promotes the scholarly study of Joe Cardella’s life, artwork, creative philosophy, or Art Life Limited Editions

This grant round focuses on organizational programs, projects, and initiatives. Student scholarship awards supported through the fund are administered separately and are not part of this application.

Funding Overview

For this funding cycle, approximately $55,000 in total grant funding will be awarded.

Organizations may request funding in an amount that reflects the needs of their proposed project or program. To assist the review process, applicants are asked to indicate:

• The minimum amount needed to successfully implement the project
• The preferred funding amount

Organizations may request up to the full $55,000 available. Final award sizes may vary and may range from smaller grants to larger awards depending on the strength, scope, and impact of the proposals received.

The Jim B. & Lillian F. Cooper Foundation Community Grants support non-profit organizations in Nebraska that focus on health, education, and recreation. Established in 1997 by the Cooper family, the foundation aims to give back to communities served by Midwest Bank. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation has a strong commitment to fostering community well-being and enhancing the quality of life for residents across various Nebraska towns.

The Local History Grants for Collections Care and Access provide funding up to $700 for historical societies in Wisconsin to enhance their collections management and preservation efforts. Eligible organizations must be affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society and meet specific tax-exempt criteria. This mini-grant program encourages projects focused on archival supplies, digitization equipment, and conservation supplies, ensuring that historical collections are preserved for future generations.

The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC, established in 1922, supports community service projects through grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These grants are aimed at non-profit organizations that provide essential services and support to residents in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a commitment to charitable engagement, the foundation continues to empower grassroots initiatives, ensuring tangible benefits to the community while celebrating over a century of impactful service.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

George H. McDonnell Scholarship Fund

To support South Hadley residents who are studying civil or environmental engineering at a four-year college.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Upward Mobility Mass Action Mini-Grant Program

Upward Mobility is the opportunity to stabilize, thrive and build a better future over time. It means that hard work leads to real opportunity, and people have the freedom to make choices about their lives without constantly falling behind. Today, too many Kansans are working hard but are still unable to get ahead. While Kansas ranks 11th nationally on income inequality according to America’s Health Rankings – a strength for our state – persistent gaps in opportunity remain for many Kansans. These Kansans – often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) struggle to afford basic living expenses.

In Kansas:

• Nearly 40% of households fall below the ALICE Survival Budget threshold
• In 84 of 105 counties, the average job pays less than $0.60 for every $1 needed to meet basic costs of living
• 1 in 5 Kansans has debt in collections
• 1 in 5 Black Kansans live in poverty – nearly twice the rate of White Kansans

These are not isolated challenges. They reflect a systemic mismatch between wages, costs, and access to opportunity. Working families are not failing – the math simply does not work. Kansas has the ideas, people and commitment to move this work forward, and Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) is investing in solutions that accelerate progress on Upward Mobility across Kansas.

KHF will award grants of up to $10,000 each (including cost of travel expenses) to eligible Kansas nonprofit organizations for community-driven solutions that help Kansans facing financial hardship get ahead.

This opportunity is designed to put the Blueprint for Upward Mobility into action. The Blueprint was shaped by ideas, experiences and feedback from approximately 1,000 Kansans and identifies 11 strategies for addressing significant barriers preventing Kansans from achieving greater economic stability. Funded projects must advance at least one of the 11 strategies identified in the Blueprint for Upward Mobility.

The Ralph Franzen Charitable Foundation Grant supports faith-based organizations that provide social services, with a focus on Evangelical Christian groups in Illinois. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of at least $1 million. The foundation does not accept applications from individuals, ensuring that funding is directed towards established charitable entities. This grant aims to enhance the impact of social services within the community.

The ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant provides up to $2,500 to support high school chemistry teachers in the U.S. as they pursue professional development opportunities. This grant aims to enhance teaching and learning in chemistry by funding activities such as conferences, workshops, and educational resources. It is designed to improve educators' skills and boost student achievement, thereby fostering a better learning environment in chemistry classrooms.

The Clinical & Translational Science Award TL1 Postdoc Fellowship Training Grant offers comprehensive support for biomedical researchers at Vanderbilt University. This program empowers scholars through career development tools, mentoring opportunities, and participation in national Translational Science meetings. Trainees must hold a doctoral degree and be committed to translational research while pursuing full-time training. This fellowship fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, enhancing their contributions to the field.

The Foreign Language Study Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for Harvard graduate students in doctoral programs to participate in intensive language programs abroad. The grants support students after their G1, G2, or G3 years, emphasizing the necessity of the language for their research. Recipients must conduct their studies outside the U.S., ensuring a minimum duration of six weeks for the language program.

The Creative Communities Grant, offered by the Maine Arts Commission, supports arts and cultural projects that benefit Maine communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities. Projects must be community-focused and accessible to the public, with funding requiring a 1-to-1 match. The grant aims to enhance community access to the arts, promote diversity and inclusion, and support local cultural initiatives that reflect the unique identities of Maine's communities.

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Little Red Schoolhouse Scholarship Fund 

To support residents of Hampshire or Franklin County studying education with a preference for those studying Early Childhood Education, elementary or special education.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative provides funding for Monroe County arts organizations, distributing up to $15,000 for capacity-building and general operating funds, along with micro grants of up to $2,500. This initiative supports small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on arts and culture, especially those in rural areas. The program emphasizes community feedback and prioritizes organizations with active programming, fostering growth and sustainability in the arts sector across Western New York.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The Susan Yaw Memorial Scholarship, established by the North Central Washington UniServ Council, honors the legacy of Susan Yaw, a dedicated advocate for education. This scholarship supports education professionals in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, or Okanogan Counties seeking further education or professional development, including NBCT and Master’s programs. Recipients may renew after three years, encouraging ongoing growth in their educational careers. The scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the local community.

The Michael Scott Kramer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Juan Island Community Foundation, is designed for post-secondary students pursuing education in fields like recreation, adventure tourism, and marine trades. This scholarship honors Mike Kramer, a beloved outdoorsman, by encouraging students to embrace life and adventure. Candidates should demonstrate community service, a strong work ethic, and a passion for their studies. It aims to inspire the next generation to live authentically and pursue their dreams.

The Local Share Account (LSA) program in Northampton and Lehigh Counties provides funding for economic and community development projects as mandated by Act 71. These funds support initiatives that enhance public interest and stimulate growth in the region. Eligible projects include those that foster business development and improve community infrastructure, ensuring that the local population benefits from the investments made. The program aims to utilize gaming revenue to support valuable public services.

The Ai2 Young Investigators Program offers postdoctoral researchers the chance to engage in impactful AI research while balancing collaborative projects at Ai2. Founded by Paul Allen, Ai2 is a Seattle-based non-profit committed to advancing AI for real-world applications. With flexible start dates, dedicated mentorship, and access to extensive resources, this program is designed for candidates nearing completion of their PhD or who already possess one, welcoming international applicants and providing support with visas.

The Heather Hinkle Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports college students from the Texas Panhandle who have faced significant health challenges. Eligible applicants must have completed a quarter of their degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have received a cancer diagnosis before turning 18. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing further education in the medical field, fostering resilience and academic success in the community.

Donation Request

Bank of Montana aligns our giving with our team members philanthropic passions, i.e. giving to an organization will have greater impact if one of our team members is on the Board of the organization, volunteers their time with the organization, etc. 

Bank of Montana funding priorities are focused on programs that provide a direct impact to our community.

Bank of Montana provides donations in two main areas: Community Development and Leadership Opportunities.

Leadership Opportunities

Leadership Opportunities give Bank of Montana employees the opportunity to be community stewards. Bank of Montana relies on staff leadership to recommend funding based on the needs of their communities. From there, Bank of Montana donates to community projects and activities. Leadership Funding Opportunities are evaluated based on the nonprofits’ organizational background, community benefit and support, and the strength of the nonprofits’ leadership and financial stability.

Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women's Clubs Fund-Education

The purpose of the Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women’s Club Scholarship Fund shall be to make scholarship awards available for the benefit of women attending Otterbein University as full-time students in the field of education.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Livable Communities Development Grants, funded by the Metropolitan Council, aim to enhance housing and job opportunities in Minneapolis. The City will accept sponsorship applications starting in December, requiring a $750 application fee. Up to eight projects may be recommended for funding in the 2026 program year, with a focus on readiness and alignment with city plans. Grant funds will be available only after the Metropolitan Council's approval and can reimburse developers for eligible costs.

The State Library of Ohio offers competitive grants under the Library Services and Technology Act to support innovative projects that enhance library services. Eligible applicants include public, school, academic, and special libraries, which must provide a 25% local cash match. Projects should focus on community engagement, literacy enhancement, or innovative outreach strategies. Funding up to $50,000 is available to foster creative solutions addressing community needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027.

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) offers General Operating Support Grants to enhance the preservation and understanding of New Jersey's history. Established in 2000, this program aims to support organizations engaged in historical research and public engagement. The grants foster innovation and excellence, promoting underrepresented aspects of New Jersey history and broadening access to historical resources for diverse communities. Through various initiatives, NJHC strives to strengthen local history organizations and ensure the state's rich heritage is preserved and appreciated.