Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations seeking operating, project, or occasional capital support for education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000, which may benefit organizations offering similar services in Puerto Rico.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Puerto Rico conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000. These small-scale research grants support areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and more, while expanding undergraduate research opportunities and strengthening campus research environments.

Puerto Rico graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry, which may benefit nonprofits focused on water, sanitation, or public health initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen community programs, Empresas Fonalledas provides Puerto Rico nonprofits with funding for education, arts and culture, health, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Eligible organizations may support tutoring, early childhood, vocational and college access, artistic training, chronic disease prevention for children or older adults, autism programs, or services for survivors of gender-based violence.

Agricultural, conservation, and land-management partners in Puerto Rico can seek US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 to co-lead projects that address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service help improve soil, water, habitat, and sustainable agriculture, and may support nonprofits seeking operating resources tied to project implementation.

Environmental and conservation organizations working on habitat and ecosystem restoration in Puerto Rico can apply for Restore America’s Estuaries’ National Estuary Program Watersheds Grants. Focused on coastal resilience, water quality, and estuarine ecosystem health, this nationally competitive program offers US $200,000 - US $500,000 for projects addressing issues like habitat loss, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, and invasive species.

Agricultural, forestry, and conservation partners in Puerto Rico can seek USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service funding to co-invest in projects addressing on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Focused on conservation, NRCS invites partners to propose RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangement projects, with awards from US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 supporting work on farms, ranches, and private forest land.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can receive up to US $100,000 for new or expanding programs. Impact100 Global Veterans provides funding for initiatives in arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family support, and health and wellness that fully expend funds within two years.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with programs like education, homelessness services, food security, and humanitarian aid can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, including work in Puerto Rico. Awards up to US $750,000 support projects that build self-sufficiency, such as job readiness, microfinance, health care, and disaster relief initiatives.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in countries where Roche operates can seek philanthropic support, including in Puerto Rico. La Roche supports innovative, sustainable initiatives that engage local Roche affiliates and employees, offering community-focused nonprofits potential operating and program funding within its global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy framework.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico working with underserved youth, families, or community services can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Focus areas include youth education and leadership, food insecurity, housing and direct family services, and environmentally focused community projects.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including Puerto Rico, can seek multi-year support for mentored global health research careers. Focused on clinical and population health areas such as cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, and environmental health, the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health supports progression toward independent research funding.

Puerto Rico conservation districts, Tribal organizations, RC&D councils, and related associations can obtain operating support to hire technical assistance staff and expand conservation services. National Association of Conservation Districts, in partnership with NRCS, provides approximately US $18,000,000 nationwide to strengthen outreach, conservation education, land stewardship, and civic engagement benefiting farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in Puerto Rico and other eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek career development funding to support mentored research projects and protected time. The National Institutes of Health Emerging Global Leader Award backs three- to five-year research careers across diverse health disciplines, including cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, and environmental health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico seeking program or operating support for education-focused work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers related projects in arts and culture, community initiatives, youth programs, disabilities and access, environment, and historic preservation, with a preference for new or enhanced programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico seeking support for healthcare-related activities can apply for Medtronic grants and donations to fund independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs. With a mission to improve health outcomes, Medtronic provides global healthcare nonprofits with philanthropic support across many clinical areas, including cardiovascular, diabetes, neurology, and more.

Health and science organizations in Puerto Rico planning congresses, educational events, or similar initiatives can access sponsorship funding that provides tangible marketing or recognition benefits. Grants from Biogen Foundation help support programs focused on areas like neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, ALS, stroke, and related neurological and immune system conditions.

Research institutions and clinical organizations in Puerto Rico studying adult substance use and health disparities can apply for National Institutes of Health SBIRT/P grants to test screening, brief intervention, and referral models. Funding supports prospective clinical trials in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, in collaboration with healthcare and community partners; awards advance preventative healthcare and reduce health disparities.

Postdoctoral research fellows in NHLBI’s intramural program conducting clinical trial–required biomedical research can apply for career transition support from the National Institutes of Health to move into independent positions, including in Puerto Rico. Grants from NIH help eligible investigators secure mentored intramural support followed by three years at an extramural institution.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.