Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The HOKC Good Works Program provides medium grants ranging from $2,500 to $9,999 to support Kentucky nonprofits. With over $2.5 million distributed annually, the program aims to enhance community services in areas such as education, health, and support for low-income individuals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least five years within Kentucky. Ineligible entities include religious organizations and most government bodies. This grant initiative has a strong history of impactful contributions to local communities.

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The Sonnentag Foundation Grant supports organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation operates, focusing on four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) recognized organizations that serve the broader community. The foundation aims to empower vulnerable populations, including veterans, to lead fulfilling lives and provide essential services for healing and personal development.

The 2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program seeks to enhance workforce development in marine-related professions and improve seafood safety and management. This initiative encourages projects that foster technological innovations in fishing practices and promote outreach on sustainability and quality of seafood. By strengthening partnerships among industry, researchers, and communities, the program aims to build a competitive and sustainable marine community in Alaska, with all projects required to be conducted within the state.

The Janet Y. Sato Na Lima Paheona Scholarship Fund supports Maui high school graduates pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, be Hawaii residents with a minimum GPA of 2.7, and provide a letter of recommendation. This fund aims to empower local students in various artistic fields, including music, dance, and graphic design, fostering creativity and educational growth within the community.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

HIV, AIDS, and prevention

Help with healthcare costs for HIV, AIDS, and prevention

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

HIV, also known as human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a virus that attacks the immune system. When left untreated, it can develop into AIDS. HIV is a chronic disease that affects the immune system.

The NINDS Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants (Phase IIB) support small businesses in conducting clinical trials for NIH-funded projects. This initiative encourages partnerships with investors to assist in the commercialization of innovations in neurological disorders. Applicants must submit a comprehensive Commercialization Plan detailing anticipated funding. The program aims to promote effective transitions from research to market, enhancing the development of drugs, devices, and therapies for neurological conditions.

The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation focuses on promoting health and mental health, as well as strengthening public education in Baltimore. Through its health initiatives, the foundation seeks to enhance access to mental health services and advocate for systemic changes. In education, it supports efforts to improve leadership and teaching quality in public schools, aiming to create equitable opportunities for Baltimore youth. This foundation prioritizes innovative programs that engage communities in meaningful ways.

Indigo Hope Foundation: Addiction Recovery Programs Grant

Funding programs that offer treatment, counseling, recovery support services, and harm reduction for individuals battling addiction.

Key Focus Areas:

• Treatment Services
• Recovery Support
• Harm Reduction
• Family Programs

Example Programs We Fund:

• Outpatient counseling programs
• Peer recovery support
• Addiction Recovery Residential Programs
• Family therapy services

The Iowa Farm Bureau offers sponsorships to support events and fundraisers across Iowa, focusing on agriculture, rural communities, and education. Their priorities include promoting health and wellness, fostering youth leadership, and enhancing the viability of farm families. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. However, they do not fund projects outside Iowa, political entities, or construction projects. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and nurture future agricultural leaders.

Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Building Electrification Grant Program

Commerce is accepting applications for the Clean Energy Fund Building Electrification Grant Program. These grants are intended to be used by current program grantees to enhance their existing building electrification projects and pursue additional measures to increase energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Funding

Commerce will distribute the remaining $495,000 from the CEF5 Building Electrification Grant Program. There is no minimum request amount, and the maximum award is $495,000.

The Mary J. Proctor Grant supports charitable organizations focused on children and youth in the Indianapolis area. Administered by JPMorgan, it funds nonprofit entities recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. The program encourages initiatives in arts, education, community development, and social services, while individuals are not eligible to apply. This grant aims to enhance the well-being and opportunities for young people in the community.

The Baiardi Family Foundation (BFF) awards grants primarily in Michigan, focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and Emmet County. Their mission is to foster positive change through various giving categories, including healthcare, education, the arts, and environmental stewardship. They emphasize the importance of Catholic and Judeo-Christian values in their grant-making process. Note that they do not provide grants to individuals, and all requests are evaluated based on merit to align with their guiding principles.

Native Seed growing Program (NV)

The State of Nevada, Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide native seed growing services as described in the scope of work and attachments. The State intends to award up to six (6) contracts in conjunction with this solicitation, as determined in the best interests of the State. The Department of Agriculture shall administer contract(s) resulting from this solicitation. The resulting contract(s) are expected to be for a contract term of four years, subject to Board of Examiner’s approval.

This project is a subset of a larger, partnership-driven project that aims to target 4 main objectives:

• Native seed collection;
• Native seed cleaning and storage;
• Native seed production; and
• Creation of a native seed equipment network.

This particular project addresses one primary objective: enhancing native seed production in Nevada. We intend to achieve this through both a physical increase in the total supply of a diverse cache of native species and increasing the technical knowledge and experience of growing native species for Nevada-based producers. The achievement of this objective is entirely reliant upon the ability of local landowners and agricultural producers to plant seed stock that will enable restoration practitioners to have access to desirable, locally adapted speciesfor re-seeding projects.

 Project managers will be tasked with the goal of obtaining the appropriate starter seed and providing those species to eligible producers for increase, while simultaneously selecting seed that is genetically appropriate for replanting within the Great Basin region. Eligible producers will be provided with technicalsupport and the best possible plant materials throughout the project period. It is the intent of this project to fund production efforts for increase by way of state contracting and to obtain an increase in materials used for public restoration projects statewide. Seed yields from increase efforts will be re-admitted to the funding agency and ultimately will be re-allocated to federal and state agencies for use on restoration projects throughout the Great Basin. Funding for production will vary based upon species selected and is limited to 3 overarching categories:

• $4,000.00/acre, 
• $5,000.00/acre,
• $6,000.00/acre

The total amount of funding available to support this initiative is $316,445.00. 

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Robert B. and Ruth K. Lee Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Greenville County, South Carolina. Established in 2000, the foundation supports diverse areas including arts, education, health, and human services. With no geographic limitations, it primarily funds programs benefiting the local community. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, emphasizing initiatives for the elderly, children’s programs in the arts, and literary projects. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible.

Who We Are

The organization is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Trust supported by members of the NH Beverage Association, the Beverage Distributors of New Hampshire Association and the New Hampshire Grocers Association. This collaborative effort by food and beverage companies has developed comprehensive programs to address, litter issues, recycling challenges, environmental awareness and education.

What We Do

We accomplish these goals by offering municipal recycling grants and signs, anti-litter programs and technical assistance to recycling programs. New Hampshire communities are eligible to apply for funding to assist with the purchase of recycling equipment. This includes monies to purchase curbside collection bins, balers, crushers, roll-off containers and other equipment that will help a community achieve higher diversion rates.

Municipal Recycling and Storage Equipment Grants

New Hampshire communities are eligible to apply for funding to assist with the purchase of recycling equipment. Grant applications are considered on an individual basis and funding may be up to 20% of the purchase price of the equipment. While we will not help with the purchase of land, studies or buildings, we do help fund the purchase of balers, crushers, roll-off containers and other equipment that will help a community achieve higher diversion rates.

Recycling Equipment grant applications are accepted on a rolling schedule, with current applications being considered every two months and up to 9 months given to allow communities to purchase and install suitable equipment. Grants are paid as a reimbursement to communities after they have purchased the equipment. Equipment purchased with NHtB grant money must be used exclusively for recycling. Communities that discontinue their recycling programs must either repay NHtB or, where applicable, work with NHtB to transfer that equipment to another community for use in recycling.

The Target Foundation's Hometown Racial Equity Grant aims to advance racial equity for underserved communities in the Twin Cities. With over a century of commitment to social responsibility, the Foundation addresses systemic barriers by investing in entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, and asset building. By supporting BIPOC-led organizations, the Foundation seeks to create equitable economic opportunities, ensuring that all families can thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, focusing on sustainable impact.

The Equitable Food Access Initiative: Home Delivered Meals, led by the DC Department of Health, aims to enhance food access for District residents. This program invites proposals from qualified community and non-profit organizations to implement effective strategies for delivering meals to those in need. By focusing on evidence-based approaches, the initiative seeks to improve food environments and ensure equitable access to nutritious food options for all residents.

The CA ACEP - Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, is designed to protect the agricultural viability of eligible lands. This initiative helps landowners, including tribes and local governments, by limiting non-agricultural uses through conservation easements. ALE enhances public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat while ensuring the long-term stewardship of agricultural lands, vital for maintaining the nation's food supply.

The Oklahoma Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers technical and financial aid to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to enhance conservation efforts. This program addresses critical natural resource issues, promoting improved water and air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. EQIP aims to integrate conservation into agricultural practices, making it feasible for producers to adopt climate-smart practices and improve overall sustainability while receiving financial assistance. Applications are accepted year-round for future funding cycles.

Request for Applications

Modification of Existing Clinical Facilities for Mental Health Crisis

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the purposes of entering into a grant agreement and awarding federal funds through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) 5.3, to provide funding for equipment and enhancements to hospitals and behavioral health providers to expand crisis response, stabilization, and substance use withdrawal services in rural areas. Through this RFA, eligible and qualified rural entities will receive funding for equipment and minor building alterations and renovation projects in an existing building or facility.

Objective

DHHS is seeking interested providers who can support the RHTP Nebraska Behavioral Health initiative through creating a sustainable, community-based emergency behavioral health system that improves outcomes, reduces costs, and strengthens the State’s behavioral health continuum of care. Potential grantees would look to increase crisis stabilization, crisis response and substance use withdrawal management capacity by retrofitting existing areas or purchasing needed equipment in rural hospitals, community health centers, rural emergency hospitals (REHs), and tribal health facilities.

Through minor facility modifications and equipment enhancements, existing clinical spaces will be adapted to serve individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use crises.

DHHS is making the full amount of $5,500,000 available for grants under this RFA. A total award of funds requested by the applicant is not guaranteed but is subject to the number of applications received, the actual money appropriated to DHHS, and at DHHS’ discretion.

The Kimball Foundation Grant Program supports college access, workplace training, cultural enrichment, and environmental education for low-income residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. By providing pathways to higher education, vocational training, and arts education, the foundation empowers youth to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. The foundation emphasizes culturally competent leadership and structured support, ensuring effective mentorship and long-term success for participants. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with these impactful missions.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

2026 CityArts Program Overview

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The CityArts Program aims to support a diverse group of arts and culture nonprofits reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape through flexible and strategic grant funding. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts grants.

In 2026, the CityArts Program will offer two types of grants:

• General Operating Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations
• Project Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations

There will be separate applications and review processes for each type.

Eligible organizations may apply for both a general operating grant AND a project grant in 2026. Some past grantees that cannot apply for general operating support in 2026 may be eligible to apply for project funding if otherwise eligible. Refer to Eligibility Criteria below and in CityArts guidelines for more details.

General Operating:

Flexible support for Chicago-based arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes. General operating support funds may be used for artistic, administrative and/or program activities including expenses such as salaries, marketing, insurance, supplies, professional services, fees and training.