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Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.
32,000+
Available grants
$8.25B
Total funding
$6K
Median grant
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The Community Foundation of Shelby County
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Ken and Mary Beth Monnier Engineering Scholarship
Shelby County high school senior with a GPA of no less than 3.0, who is pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Selection based upon (in order of priority):
Awards
People Change The World
We believe that stories carry our culture and ideas change the world
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared Kansas stories to spark conversations. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy.
Funding for TALK Events
All Humanities Kansas book discussions are available to Kansas nonprofits free-of-charge, as funding allows.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation
Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.
Scholarships
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.
College Students Scholarships
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs.
Robert Morley Science Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Robert Morley, a former DeKalb science teacher. The $2,000 scholarship is for juniors and seniors in college majoring in a field of science. Up to seven scholarships will be given.
Foundation of the Federal Bar Association
The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.
Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:
Foundation Grants
Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.
Community Outreach Grant
The Community Outreach Grants Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that provide legal services in local communities. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity) and other organizations to develop and support projects that make a lasting impact on their communities.
Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.
As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.
Scholarships
The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.
Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to honor the memory of Kevin Rimmell who died tragically at the age of 34. He loved his work in the field of electronics and always credited his education at Pittsburgh Technical College as having prepared him to achieve great things. This scholarship is intended to provide financial support for a student of high academic achievement who has financial need.
Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation).
South Dakota Community Foundation
As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.
Grants
The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities.
Vermillion Area Community Foundation Grant
The Vermillion Area Community Foundation was established in 2000 for the sole purpose of creating an endowed fund to build financial resources, that aren’t depleted each year and are forever and perpetual, to assist with capital projects that address community needs and that impact and enhance the quality of community life for residents of all ages.
South Dakota Community Foundation rules require VACF to fund tangible items rather than ongoing operating costs or salaries.
Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies
The Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies is a nonprofit, non-political international scholarly society whose mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe within both regional and global contexts, while supporting scholars, students, and professionals in sharing research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Its vision centers on sustaining intellectual vitality and global awareness of the region by serving as a leading hub for scholarship, dialogue, and professional development through publications, conventions, and academic exchange. The organization’s funding priorities focus on strengthening the field by providing financial support for research, dissertation completion, and scholarly dissemination; promoting teaching and mentorship; supporting early-career scholars; and encouraging interdisciplinary engagement and public awareness through programs, partnerships, and resources that enhance education and international studies.
ASEEES Summer Dissertation Writing Grant Program
The Summer Dissertation Writing Grant Program of the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) reflects the organization’s broader mission of advancing knowledge and scholarship on the societies, cultures, and histories of Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and related regions by supporting emerging scholars during critical stages of their academic work. The program envisions strengthening the next generation of researchers by providing dedicated time and financial support for dissertation completion, particularly for students who do not have access to major research fellowships. Its funding priorities focus on enabling PhD candidates at U.S. institutions to concentrate on writing their dissertations over the summer months, supporting projects across disciplines within Slavic, East European, and Eurasian studies, and prioritizing applicants whose work contributes to the academic field but does not require significant in-region research or fieldwork, with grants intended to cover living support rather than tuition costs.
The summer dissertation writing grant program is directed at PhD students at US universities who do not qualify for the ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant because they do not intend to conduct significant research in the region as part of their dissertation research. Students may only receive ONE Summer Dissertation Writing Grant over the course of their graduate studies.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.
We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.
Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.
Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.
Arch J. Dewey Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students entering the field of aviation.
Arch J. Dewey (1912-1988) was a well-known Aurora aviator who served in both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force.
He piloted the City of Aurora B-17 Bomber during World War II. The bomber was so named to honor Aurora residents who purchased war bonds to finance the plane.
In remembrance of his love of aviation, his wife Jane created this scholarship to encourage and assist future students entering this field of study.
The fund was created in 1988 and established as an endowment in 1989.
South Carolina Research Authority
SCRA is a public, non-profit corporation chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina. Its mission is to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy by accelerating technology-enabled growth of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry. SCRA's vision is focused in becoming a leading catalyst in making South Carolina the top choice for technology-focused industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics.
SCRA supports its stakeholders in key technology sectors, which include but are not limited to, Advanced Materials/ Manufacturing; Life Sciences; Clean Tech, Sustainability, and Resilience, and Information Technology. SCRA grant funding is made possible, in part, by Industry Partnership Fund (IPF) contributions. Contributors receive a dollar-for-dollar South Carolina income tax credit, making it a no-cost way to create a direct, positive economic effect and job creation.
Academic Matching Grant
Managed by the Academic Innovations team, the objective of the Academic Matching Grant is to expand academic engagement in research and development by validating and advancing technology concepts towards the potential of a license opportunity, and/or company formation. Key milestones include: market opportunity and technical feasibility, in the IDEATION stage of startup development.
Qualifying technologies are recommended by the institution’s Technology Transfer Office, or equivalent; Institutions are responsible for the technical review and prioritization of applications, and review opportunities with the Academic Innovations team. Based upon the review, SCRA will provide application materials and instructions.
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities acts as a steward and supporter of Louisiana’s diverse and vibrant culture and history.
To that end, we are dedicated to ensuring access to the humanities, offering and broadening pathways for a lifetime of learning for people of every generation and from every walk of life. We champion the humanities to enrich the lives of all Louisianans in all 64 parishes.
Our Mission: The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ mission is to partner with communities, institutions, and individuals to explore Louisiana’s past, reflect on our present, and imagine our future.
Constitution Day Grants
Mini grants to institutions supporting existing or developing Constitution Day programming.
Illinois Capital Development Board
CDB oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, state parks, mental health institutions, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.
CDB Mission
Provide high-quality and sustainable facilities for Illinois and the public interest.
Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a funding opportunity for quantum research office and labs. The Capital Development Board is awarding a maximum of $136,900,000.00 for this project. The grant agreement will be issued for a maximum contract period of five years, and all projects must be operational at the end of the grant term. The grantee must comply with various requirements, including the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Illinois Procurement Code. Some key aspects of the project include:
Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $34,887.
Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.
Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.
To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:
For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.