Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

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.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers the Financial Sustainability Grant to support nonprofit organizations that promote economic inclusion and financial stability. Grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 for one-year commitments, focusing on workforce success through education, job training, and entrepreneurial support. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and primarily serve low- to moderate-income families in the Twin Cities metro area.

The HEAL Initiative aims to combat the opioid crisis through action-oriented research that enhances the translation of addiction epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and recovery services into practice. It prioritizes scalable, evidence-based approaches targeting various levels, including individual and community. The initiative supports a range of methods for research deployment, emphasizing collaboration between researchers and decision-makers to improve outcomes for those affected by addiction and related chronic pain.

GO Virginia Program Overview

GO Virginia is a collaborative economic development initiative, that provides project-based incentives to encourage collaboration between private industry, higher education and local government in each region to produce results that will grow and diversify the regional economies and ultimately the commonwealth.

To achieve the program goals, the GO Virginia State Board has created nine regional councils. These councils are responsible for developing regional Growth and Diversification Plans and implementing those plans through the submission of project applications. Applications approved at the regional level are advanced to the GO Virginia State Board for funding.

The GO Virginia State Board has identified four primary investment strategies to achieve the program goals. The four priority investment strategies are:

• Workforce Development – building talent pipelines aligned with business needs that increases the pool of qualified workers
• Site Development and Infrastructure - preparing a regional portfolio of business-ready sites that attract private investment
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Startup Ecosystem) - creating a resource-rich environment for scalable start-ups and early-stage companies 
• Cluster Scale-Up -  helping existing regional industries grow and compete at a larger scale

All successful projects should align with at least one of these strategies and demonstrate a clear connection to a region’s Growth & Diversification Plan. See the GO Virginia Program Manual for details.

• GO Virginia is not an economic development incentive program. Individual private businesses may not receive funding, nor can any project provide exclusive benefits to a single private business.

• GO Virginia funds must support new and expanded efforts — not ongoing operations. Funding cannot be used to continue, sustain, or supplement the operating costs of existing programs. Projects must clearly demonstrate added value and represent new activity that advances GO Virginia’s mission. Proposals must fill a documented gap, scale a proven model, or introduce a new approach that supports regional priorities.

Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund (GO Virginia) Competitive Grants

Competitive Grants are designed for projects that involve two or more GO Virginia regions (multi-regional) or go beyond what a single region’s annual allocation can support. They give regions the ability to collaborate or pursue initiatives that deliver substantial economic impact. To qualify, a project must present an extraordinary economic opportunity—one that is transformative in scale.

Competitive Grants allow regions to scale their ideas, tackle challenges that cross boundaries, and pursue transformative projects leverage regional strengths aiming to expand opportunities that benefit multiple localities and industries.

Application Types

Competitive Grants can support planning or implementation projects. The type of application depends on whether your project is multi-regional or single region. Competitive Grants include: Multi-Regional Planning Grants; Multi-Region Implementation Grants; and Single Region Implementation Grants.

Multi-Region Implementation Grants

Multi-Region Implementation Grants are designed to turn collaborative plans into action. The goal is to deliver projects that create broad economic impact, strengthening targeted industry sectors, growing higher-paying jobs, and expanding opportunities across all participating regions. Because these projects represent a significant investment, applicants must demonstrate strong regional collaboration, clear economic outcomes, and a plan for sustaining results beyond the grant period.

Successful projects should create benefits that are shared across all participating localities, not concentrated in just one community. In other words, the project’s impact—such as new jobs, business growth, or expanded industry capacity—should be visible in each region that is part of the application.

The Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa, established by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, aims to empower women and families in the region. Through strategic partnerships and community insights, the fund supports initiatives that enhance women's self-sufficiency, health, and engagement. Eligible projects must serve primarily women and align with focus areas like health, education, and childcare. This grant provides critical support for programs fostering positive change in southwest Iowa communities.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is building a world of health around every consumer. Our unmatched reach allows us to deliver high-quality, affordable health care when and how individuals choose. We’re on a mission to deliver superior and more connected experiences, lower the cost of care and improve the health and well-being of those we serve.

As a leading health solutions company, we offer multiple channels to access health care locally and nationally. Our strong community presence, tech-forward approach and unmatched engagement with more than 100 million people enable us to deliver high-quality, personalized, affordable health care.   

Health Zones

Multi-year funding for cross-sector collaborations that improve health outcomes and access to care in local communities. 

Health Zones Program in Philadelphia, PA

A variety of factors influence a person’s health, including access to health care services, healthy food, and transportation. To tackle these challenges and improve health outcomes, the CVS Health Foundation (“the Foundation”) is collaborating with local organizations with a deep understanding of the community through our Health Zones initiative. We are committed to enhancing the coordination of health care and social services while dismantling barriers to health and wellness. Our vision is to empower and support local care systems within each Health Zone, making health care and social support networks more accessible and easier to navigate for everyone.

As part of the Health Zones initiative, we look for communities where many people are facing financial strain and have limited access to essentials like reliable health care, nutritious food, stable housing and local support services. When these basic needs are out of reach, it becomes much harder for individuals and families to stay healthy and manage chronic conditions - and these are the places where our support can make the greatest difference. This RFP will provide a three-year grant of up to $2.25 million to a cohort of nonprofit organizations that can support our Theory of Change to implement strategies that improve health outcomes for residents living in Philadelphia. 

The Louisiana Project Grants program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts and regional arts councils, provides funding for diverse arts projects across the state. With $1 million allocated from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, artists, schools, and nonprofits can develop initiatives that address local community needs. The program supports various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, and literature, fostering innovation and cultural impact in each region.

The Stratton Foundation Grant aims to improve the health and welfare of children and families in southern Vermont by funding sustainable programs that address poverty challenges. It focuses on four key areas: food and hunger, health and dental care, basic necessities, and education. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations serving vulnerable communities, with no fixed amounts but varying reporting requirements based on the grant size. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainability and effective management.

The Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency Initiative provides critical funding and technical assistance to coastal communities in Washington State, addressing urgent ecological restoration needs while also creating jobs. Established by the Legislature in 2015, this program aims to enhance the health of the land and water, supporting both local economies and the environment. Projects funded must prioritize ecological protection and restoration, ensuring sustainable benefits for future generations.

The Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants aim to foster significant advancements in racial equity across the region. Funded by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, these grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, support eligible nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties. The initiative encourages collaborative projects addressing racial disparities and community engagement, promoting sustainable impacts and additional investments.

The RESTORE Colorado Grant Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance wildlife habitats across Colorado. With an expected funding of $4.5 million in 2025, the program focuses on critical habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, and sagebrush rangelands. It encourages cross-jurisdictional projects for effective landscape-level conservation, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. This initiative exemplifies a collaborative approach to proactive management of Colorado's natural resources.

GO Virginia Program Overview

GO Virginia is a collaborative economic development initiative, that provides project-based incentives to encourage collaboration between private industry, higher education and local government in each region to produce results that will grow and diversify the regional economies and ultimately the commonwealth.

To achieve the program goals, the GO Virginia State Board has created nine regional councils. These councils are responsible for developing regional Growth and Diversification Plans and implementing those plans through the submission of project applications. Applications approved at the regional level are advanced to the GO Virginia State Board for funding.

The GO Virginia State Board has identified four primary investment strategies to achieve the program goals. The four priority investment strategies are:

• Workforce Development – building talent pipelines aligned with business needs that increases the pool of qualified workers
• Site Development and Infrastructure - preparing a regional portfolio of business-ready sites that attract private investment
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Startup Ecosystem) - creating a resource-rich environment for scalable start-ups and early-stage companies 
• Cluster Scale-Up -  helping existing regional industries grow and compete at a larger scale

All successful projects should align with at least one of these strategies and demonstrate a clear connection to a region’s Growth & Diversification Plan. See the GO Virginia Program Manual for details.

• GO Virginia is not an economic development incentive program. Individual private businesses may not receive funding, nor can any project provide exclusive benefits to a single private business.

• GO Virginia funds must support new and expanded efforts — not ongoing operations. Funding cannot be used to continue, sustain, or supplement the operating costs of existing programs. Projects must clearly demonstrate added value and represent new activity that advances GO Virginia’s mission. Proposals must fill a documented gap, scale a proven model, or introduce a new approach that supports regional priorities.

Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund (GO Virginia) Competitive Grants

Competitive Grants are designed for projects that involve two or more GO Virginia regions (multi-regional) or go beyond what a single region’s annual allocation can support. They give regions the ability to collaborate or pursue initiatives that deliver substantial economic impact. To qualify, a project must present an extraordinary economic opportunity—one that is transformative in scale.

Competitive Grants allow regions to scale their ideas, tackle challenges that cross boundaries, and pursue transformative projects leverage regional strengths aiming to expand opportunities that benefit multiple localities and industries.

Application Types

Competitive Grants can support planning or implementation projects. The type of application depends on whether your project is multi-regional or single region. Competitive Grants include: Multi-Regional Planning Grants; Multi-Region Implementation Grants; and Single Region Implementation Grants.

Single Region Implementation Grants

Single-Region Implementation Grants are available for extraordinary opportunities within one region that cannot be fully supported by that region’s annual allocation. These projects are intended to address unique, high-impact needs where the scale of investment exceeds local resources but still delivers outcomes consistent with the goals of GO Virginia.

The expectation is that single-region projects will demonstrate the same level of rigor as multiregional efforts—clear economic impact, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability—while making the case for why Competitive Grant support is essential. In some cases, the request may use a mix of per-capita funds and Competitive Grant funds; in other cases, it may rely entirely on Competitive Grant funds.

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.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Planning Grant Program

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

The Governor’s AFID Planning Grant Program is designed to encourage local governments to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their overall economic development and job-creation efforts. The AFID Planning Grant Program can also support innovative efforts by localities to assist their agriculture and forestry-based businesses and encourage the participation of local farm and forestland owners in these efforts. Maximum grant amounts are:

• Single locality applicant - An individual applicant may apply for up to $20,000 per grant application.
• Multi-locality applicant - Applications made on behalf of more than one locality may apply for up to $35,000 per grant. 

The Big Sur Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Monterey County in 2020, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance community resources in Big Sur. Priorities include health, safety, education, arts, culture, and community stewardship. Grants are awarded annually, targeting impactful projects such as educational programs, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Big Sur area, with a commitment to addressing local needs effectively.

Just One More Grant aims to transform lives by providing financial support to individuals and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. who are overcoming challenges like mental health issues, drug misuse, and educational barriers. The foundation encourages applications from those committed to personal growth and community support. Though current grants are paused for nonprofits, interested individuals with actionable plans are invited to apply. More information and past winners can be found on their website.

The Three Rivers Community Foundation Grant supports local non-profits in enhancing community services. Focused on building stronger communities, it awards grants for projects in human services, education, social and cultural initiatives, and public issues. Eligible applicants include local 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies seeking to align their programs with the foundation's priorities. The grants aim to improve the quality of life and foster community engagement and development.

Grantmaking

Funding Rooted in Relationships

Our grantmaking supports the work that helps people, families, and neighborhoods build healthy, equitable communities, across generations. It is strategic, relationship-centered, grounded in trust, and shaped by ongoing learning with our community partners.

We focus on work that addresses root causes, strengthens community-led solutions, and builds long-term capacity in Kalamazoo County.

Strategic Pillars

Our strategic pillars are based on what we’ve learned from community, nonprofit and elected leaders. We all share the vision for a Kalamazoo County that includes:

The William T. Grant Scholars Program provides crucial support for early-career researchers aiming to expand their expertise through innovative research and mentoring. This five-year program focuses on reducing inequality and improving the use of research evidence to benefit young people in the U.S. By emphasizing the development of new disciplines and methods, the program encourages applicants to take bold risks in their research trajectories, ultimately fostering a supportive academic community.

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 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 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 F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

The Eco-Living Fund Grant, managed by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, seeks to promote sustainable living through projects that encourage zero-footprint and net-positive practices. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government agencies within the foundation's service area. Grants support initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes in resource conservation and community engagement. The fund aims for projects that not only enhance environmental sustainability but can also serve as models for broader change, potentially saving costs for participants.

The Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) at IIASA invites advanced Ph.D. students to apply for research opportunities that address global challenges. This program, running since 1977, supports interdisciplinary projects and offers stipends, typically €1700 monthly plus airfare. Participants will engage with 50 peers and senior researchers, contributing to IIASA's mission of advancing systems analysis. Applicants should ensure their research aligns with IIASA's agenda and be prepared for the program's full three-month duration in Laxenburg, Austria.

The Youth4Climate initiative, led by the Government of Italy and UNDP, empowers young people to drive impactful climate action by providing up to $30,000 for innovative solutions. This funding targets five key areas: Climate Literacy, Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture, Nature Assets, and Sustainable Consumption. Successful applicants will gain access to technical support, mentorship, and storytelling platforms, ensuring their projects can thrive and inspire change on a global scale.

James H Cummings Foundation

The James H. Cummings Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit corporation organized in New York State in July, 1962 for the purpose of complying with certain provisions in the will of its founder and namesake. Admired for his unassuming manner, friendly demeanor, and quiet generosity, Cummings was dedicated to giving back to the communities he once called home.

The Foundation’s focus is on funding not-for-profits making strides in medical research, science and post-secondary education in Buffalo, Toronto, and Hendersonville, North Carolina. In addition, we focus on funding programming for vulnerable people of all ages—children to older adults—in Buffalo and Hendersonville.

James H Cummings Foundation Grants

Our Focus

The Foundation focuses on supporting 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organizations whose missions and services align with our guidelines and mission:

• To advance medical research, science, and post-secondary medical education in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To provide services for vulnerable children and children with disabilities that will enhance high school graduation rates with a focus on the quality of out-of-school (before and after school and summer care) for school age children and early care and education programs and initiatives in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To assist older adults and vulnerable adults with services that help them maintain independent, healthy, and active lifestyles, remaining in their own homes when possible in Buffalo and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
• To advance medical research in Toronto.