Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Green Space Grant Program offers financial support for outdoor recreational development in Rhode Island. It provides matching funds to municipalities and recognized Native American tribes for acquiring and renovating recreational lands and facilities. Eligible projects include development that enhances public outdoor recreation. The program encourages local matching contributions and is funded through state bonds, ensuring community engagement and sustainability in recreational land improvements.

The Green Space Grant Program in Rhode Island offers matching funds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreational lands and facilities. It is available to municipal agencies and recognized Native American tribes, providing up to 50% matching funds, capped at $400,000. Eligible projects must enhance public access to recreational areas while ensuring proper management and maintenance by the municipality. This funding is crucial for improving community outdoor spaces and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to advancing equitable access to contraception and abortion through science. The recent approval of Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the U.S., presents a unique opportunity to enhance contraceptive access. This initiative encourages research on implementation strategies to address cost, distribution, and education, ensuring the successful integration of over-the-counter contraceptives into healthcare options for all.

The Special Needs Grant, provided by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), offers financial support to Active Duty members facing increased financial demands due to dependents in the Coast Guard Special Needs Program. Eligible members can receive up to $3,000 every 60 months for various services and resources tailored for special needs, including adaptive equipment and membership fees for relevant organizations. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for families with exceptional needs.

The Helen & Jerry Stern Grandchildren’s Fund of OJCF is committed to strengthening the Jewish community in Oregon by empowering organizations that promote Jewish continuity and education. Grants typically range from $250 to $10,000, with an average of about $4,500. This year, the fund is focusing on projects that combat antisemitism while remaining open to diverse proposals that align with its mission.

The Community Endowment Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation supports organizations and initiatives in Oregon and SW Washington that promote community engagement, dialogue, and understanding. For the fiscal year 2025, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available for projects addressing antisemitism, intergenerational philanthropy, and Jewish continuity. Priority will be given to innovative collaborations among organizations. Interested applicants should review the FAQs for detailed guidelines.

The Special Angels Foundation Grant provides essential support for children with special needs, focusing on accessible therapy within established networks. Due to high demand, applications from outside California are temporarily suspended. The grant covers therapy expenses and requires a letter of medical necessity from a pediatric professional. Applicants must be under 18 and reside in the U.S. The foundation aims to maximize impact by prioritizing in-network resources and ensuring financial clarity for families.

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. 

George W. “Bill” and Ann Marie Stanley Scholarship

To honor Bill and Ann Marie Stanley, family members created this scholarship in their memory. This scholarship is for sophomores, juniors and seniors in college majoring in any field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

The Earl and Pauline Webb Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Agriculture. Annually, two scholarships are awarded specifically to students in Agricultural Education and other Agriculture-related fields. Preference is given to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship not only fosters academic growth but also contributes to the development of future leaders in the agricultural sector.

The Earl and Fay Doney Electrical Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Applicants must be Montana high school graduates and enrolled as full-time students. Priority is given to current or former students and staff of the Yellowstone Academy at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Notably, the scholarship requirements are waived for staff of the Ranch, ensuring accessibility to education for deserving candidates.

The DCCF: Women's Fund Grants provide essential support to initiatives that address issues affecting women and children in Decatur County. With a rolling deadline, these grants focus on empowering young girls through self-confidence, financial literacy, healthy lifestyles, and exposure to engineering fields. Funded by the Decatur County Community Foundation Inc., this initiative aims to create lasting change in the community by fostering the development of future leaders.

The Earl and Fay Doney EHHD Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or Counseling. Applicants must be Montana high school graduates and enrolled full-time. Notably, the scholarship waives these requirements for staff of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, enhancing accessibility for those affiliated with this community. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to fostering education and development in the health and human services fields.

The Dylan Honnoll Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing their degrees. Established to honor Dylan Honnoll, it encourages applications from active members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. The scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to providing transformative educational opportunities that enhance students' lives and communities. With limited availability, it serves as a vital resource for incoming students seeking financial assistance during their academic journey.

Charles Young Historic Preservation Grant

The Charles L. Young, Sr. Grant for Historic Preservation will be used to advance a sense of place (e.g., history, culture, achievement, etc.) within the Lauderdale County African-American community by supporting building renovations, capital improvements, and special projects. 

Recognized as one of Mississippi’s and the South’s most outstanding businessmen, Representative Charles L. Young, Sr. received numerous community, state, and national awards for his outstanding service in business and politics. The Lauderdale Co. Human Relations Commission chose to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by establishing this endowment to guarantee that his name, as well as his accomplishments, would be remembered in our community for generations to come.

Clarke County Foundation for Tomorrow Grant

“The Clarke County Foundation for Tomorrow was created by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce to benefit programs and activities for Clarke County Students through their respective school systems, their teachers or staff, or to benefit any 501c(3) organization whose programs and activities will benefit Clarke County.”

With over 40 years of heartfelt service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi is dedicated to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful opportunities. We bridge resources and needs to uplift the dynamic communities we serve.

Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. Our service area includes the following 5 counties in East Mississippi: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton. 

The purpose of the Kemper Hometown Endowment Fund is to provide mini-grants to teachers and to support educational programs and activities in Kemper County.

Six teacher grants will be awarded each year.

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi wants to support your efforts to enhance your curriculum, introduce new tools, or launch creative projects!

Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP)

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) was established to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of historic lighthouses in Michigan.

With more than 120 lighthouses standing sentinel along Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Established in 2000 when many lighthouses were transferred out of federal ownership, the MLAP program is intended to help lighthouse stewards restore and repair their historic lighthouses, which in turn helps keep them open and an active part of local economies around the state as tourist and learning destinations. 

This grant program is managed through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Funding for the MLAP comes from the sale of lighthouse license plates.

The Druyvestein, Johnson and Anderson Company Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Established as part of MSU's commitment to education since 1893, this scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to incoming students in the Engineering fields. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for engineering and a commitment to their academic journey, ensuring a brighter future for both themselves and their communities.

The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Grant supports innovative public policy projects in Cincinnati, focusing on political discourse and informed policy. Established in the 1940s, the foundation allocates funding primarily for studies affecting civic issues in the region. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at fostering initiatives that engage the community in meaningful discussions on civic matters.

The Greenbrier Valley Women's Fund Grant, established in 2006, supports local nonprofit organizations in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties by empowering women. Grants, awarded annually in September, provide funding for personnel, projects, materials, and capital improvements, ensuring impactful initiatives in the community. This donor-advised fund at the Greater Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of women and promoting gender equity in the region.

Susan B. Herron/Lively Arts and Education Grant

Susan Herron was one of Meridian’s most active and dedicated cultural leaders during her lifetime. She served on the Board of Commissioners for the Mississippi Arts Commission and as president of the Meridian Arts Council and Meridian Little Theatre Guild. She was also an avid supporter of the Meridian Museum of Art, Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series, and served as vice president of the Meridian Junior Auxiliary.

This endowment was established at the Community Foundation in honor of her memory. With gifts from many in this community, Susan Herron’s passion and enthusiasm for the arts will continue for years to come.

Requests can be for assisting with the start-up of new Arts and Education Programs, or the special one-time needs of existing programs, or supporting special Arts and Education opportunities.

The Greenbrier Valley Community Fund Mini Grant offers up to $250 for enrichment projects in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties. This funding supports local nonprofits aiming to enhance community programs within the upcoming year. Eligible applicants include any nonprofit organization located in these counties, making it an accessible opportunity for those looking to contribute positively to their communities.

Upward Momentum is a collaborative fund aimed at transforming economic mobility in Missouri. By investing in community-driven initiatives, it seeks to address systemic inequities and foster opportunities for all. The fund emphasizes partnerships and innovative strategies to create lasting change, focusing on the unique diversity of Missouri's communities. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, Upward Momentum is poised to drive impactful solutions that enhance economic well-being across the state.

The Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (BioG) offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to engage in collaborative research in biodiversity genomics. The fellowship supports projects involving phylogenomics, population genomics, and bioinformatics analysis, with a stipend of $62,000 per year. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of their Ph.D. and propose to conduct research at Smithsonian facilities for 12 to 24 months, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Dr. Jean Robinson Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees from the College of Letters and Science. It is aimed specifically at rural Montana high school graduates, reflecting MSU's commitment to accessible education. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative to provide financial aid to incoming students, enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering community growth.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

OREF/Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Research Grant

Solicits investigator-initiated proposals focusing on research in the science of biologic – reconstruction, bone regeneration, transplantation - allografts, and including stem cells for graft transplantation.