Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation grants support arts and arts education initiatives focused on underserved youth in New York City. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes programs that enhance the educational experience through arts engagement for children under 18. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide cultural experiences and educational opportunities, ensuring that the arts remain an integral part of the learning process. Note that operational expenses for organizations and individual funding are not covered.

Who We Are

Since 1989, the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. With over 500 funds and $270 million in assets, we support local nonprofits and make grants in every county. WYCF has granted more than $150 million to charitable causes and works with donors to support the communities and organizations they care about most. 

By working with donors, nonprofits, and communities, WYCF makes giving accessible and impactful, helping strengthen organizations and the communities they serve. As one of the only accredited community foundations in Wyoming, WYCF is your trusted partner in philanthropy. 

WYCF serves donors and communities by connecting them to causes they care about most. We make giving easy by accepting a wide-range of gifts, from cash and appreciated securities to more complex gifts such as real estate and mineral interests. WYCF is overseen by a volunteer board who ensures that your funds are being used to best support Wyoming.

WYCF Competitive Cycle - Spring

The Competitive Cycle is WYCF's flagship grant program. We accept applications for all types of grant purposes. Applicants may apply for general operating or project/program funding.

How much can I request?

Most grant amounts awarded are between $1,000-$10,000, with other amounts considered. An organization may receive full funding, partial funding, or be denied funding. In some cases, additional conditions may be attached to funding approval. If you are uncertain as to how much to request, we encourage you to contact staff or schedule Office Hours.

WYCF accepts one application per organization per grant deadline. If you have previously received funding, a final report must be submitted prior to submitting a new grant request. 

If awarded, grantees should skip the next cycle before applying again.

The Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grant, offered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, supports innovative partnerships among local governments and organizations in Erie County. Launched in 2012, this program aims to enhance economic growth and foster cooperation among municipalities. Grants provide essential matching funds for projects that improve community resources, promote quality of life, and advance strategic initiatives in areas like small business development and municipal operations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 30, 2024.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers Professional Development Microgrants to support local artists in enhancing their skills through workshops and conferences. Open to individuals and representatives of arts organizations, these grants cover up to half of the conference fees, with a maximum of $500 for events outside Long Beach. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life through artistic engagement, ensuring that artists have access to valuable professional development opportunities.

Alabama Historical Commission

The Commission is the agency designated to carry out the state’s responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended and operates under the provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975.

We work to accomplish our mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns and cities with local preservation activities.

State law makes the Commission responsible for the acquisition and preservation of state-owned historic properties and education of the public on historic sites in Alabama. 

Historic Sites Education Trust Fund (ETF) Grant

The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) will administer a $3,600,000 Historic Sites grant program with funds appropriated by the Alabama Legislature for improvements to and educational programming at historic sites in Alabama.

Preference will be given to:

• any property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places that was built before 1840 and is publicly owned and accessible to the public;
• any property built in or before 1943 that is listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places;
• any property built after 1943 that significantly contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

Texas Military-Connected Student Support and Capacity Grant

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of military-connected students and their families in Texas. 

Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of militaryconnected students and their families in Texas. This initiative will empower the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and School Systems (e.g., districts and open enrollment charter schools) by providing high-quality professional development, evidence-based training, and comprehensive resources and tools designed to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for nearly 230,000 military-connected students enrolled in Texas public schools.

Goals

The overarching goal of this grant is to strengthen Texas’ statewide framework for supporting military connected students by building sustainable systems and resources that enable School Systems to deliver responsive, high-quality services. Specifically, the grant aims to:

• Expand TEA’s capacity and infrastructure to lead and coordinate statewide efforts addressing the needs of military-connected students.
• Equip School Systems with specialized training, tools, and resources to effectively identify, support, and engage military-connected students and families.
• Foster collaboration and alignment across Education Service Centers (ESCs), TEA, and military community partners to ensure consistent, high-impact practices statewide.
• Advance Purple Star Campus program enhancements to recognize and scale exemplary practices that support military-connected students.

The IATSE Local 161 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, thereby preventing eviction or service shut-offs. Members in good standing for at least two years may apply, ensuring that those in the most urgent situations receive timely help from the Entertainment Community Fund.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development's Community Development Grant Program provides funding between $25,000 and $75,000 to support community-led initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. Established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the program emphasizes the dignity of human life and encourages low-income individuals to take an active role in addressing systemic issues. Grants are awarded to organizations that align with Catholic values and demonstrate effective participation of impoverished communities in decision-making processes.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Ragland – Bowers Scholarship – School of Engineering

Students attending the WVU School of Law and students attending the WVU School of Engineering and Mineral Resources; Residents of WV with preference being given to Raleigh, Fayette, and/or Wyoming Counties’ residents who are students or prospective students; Awarded on the basis of need & academic ability.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Grants: Powering Fort Worth’s Arts Organizations

Arts Fort Worth Community Impact Funds

The mission of Arts Fort Worth is to promote, nurture, and support the arts in Fort Worth. Arts Fort Worth’s competitive grants programs serve this mission by supporting local arts organizations and making the artistic programming they provide accessible to everyone in our city.

Apply for both operating and outreach project support in one application!

Community Impact Funds provide fundamental mission support through unrestricted funding to established nonprofit arts organizations for general operations, administration, and programming costs. This grant opportunity combines the intent of the two grant opportunities previously called CORE and CORE Plus into one unrestricted grant.

The GIFT Foundation of Hawaii, established in 2003, supports charitable organizations across Hawaii by empowering young professionals to engage in philanthropy. Through an annual charity event, the foundation grants funds to selected local projects that focus on youth education, startup initiatives, and sustainable community impacts. They prioritize proposals demonstrating leadership and financial viability, ensuring a lasting benefit to the Hawaiian community. The foundation aims to inspire and motivate young adults to contribute to meaningful causes.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides General Operating Support Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on the promotion and teaching of the arts. Eligible organizations must be based in Delaware, have a stable board, and demonstrate a history of community service. Grants support annual operating expenses, allowing for year-round arts participation. A staggered three-year application cycle ensures ongoing support while minimizing the application burden. These grants foster artistic growth and community engagement in Delaware.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The Waldon H. and Adele Orr Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting health, human services, and religious purposes in Brazos County, Texas. Established in 1996, the trust aims to aid organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants are exclusively available for initiatives that enhance the well-being of the community, demonstrating a commitment to charitable causes within the specified geographical limits.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

The Northwest Horticultural Society offers grants to support horticultural education in the Pacific Northwest. With a total budget of $15,000 for 2024, grants typically range from $1,000 to $6,000. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear outcomes within 12 months and benefit community engagement and environmental restoration. Priority is given to organizations west of the Cascades in Washington State. Applications are currently being accepted, encouraging local initiatives that promote horticultural beauty and biodiversity.

The Biffa Award's Main Grants Scheme for Recreation focuses on enhancing community life through projects that improve recreational spaces. This includes installing play equipment in parks and renovating clubhouses for community use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions made quarterly. The scheme prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad community benefits, ensuring facilities serve diverse age groups and demographics, thus fostering a sense of community and well-being.

The Artist Support Grants program, funded by the N.C. Arts Council, aims to empower professional artists in Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties. It provides funding for diverse projects including the creation of new work, equipment purchases, and professional development. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, with projects required to be completed by December 31, 2026. This initiative fosters artistic growth and community engagement.

The Byron and Alice Lockwood Foundation, established in 1968, is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations in the Greater Seattle Area. Founded by Paul Cressman Sr., it honors the legacy of Byron and Alice Lockwood, who were passionate about community service. The foundation focuses on grants that enhance education, health, and human services, ensuring that contributions yield significant community impact. With a history of supporting emerging talent, it aims to make a difference through strategic funding.

The Marsh Foundation Grant provides funding for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing primarily on medical research in El Paso, Texas. Established under the will of Edward N. Marsh, the foundation offers grants ranging from $52,000 to $150,000, with an average total giving of $200,000 annually. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible, although there are no geographic limitations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for review.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to provide support to School Systems and ESCs by providing access to best practice resources and strategies to improve student achievement.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative is to work cooperatively with the Federal Program Compliance Division and Department of Grant Compliance and Administration to develop and provide resources to ESCs and LEAs statewide to assist in implementing Title I, Part A; Title I, Part D; and Title I Private Nonprofit School (PNP) Equitable Services programs to increase the opportunity for all students in meeting the State’s content, student performance standards, and grant fiscal rules, regulations, and requirements.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

Metro Planning and Development Grants support urban planning efforts in the Portland area, aimed at enhancing community potential through the development of new housing, shopping, and employment opportunities. With a funding capacity of up to $4 million, these grants are available for projects that comply with regional growth management plans and focus on inclusive, sustainable development. Since 2006, Metro has funded over 135 projects, promoting collaborative growth across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

The GMF: Mequon/Hiram Schmitt Fund Grant, established by the city of Mequon in 1984, supports educational and human service programs benefiting Mequon residents. Grants focus on sustaining ongoing activities or funding specific projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the Mequon/Thiensville area. An advisory board reviews proposals, while the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Board provides final approval. This grant aims to enhance community services and improve the quality of life for local residents.