Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

The National Cancer Institute's PAIRS program aims to explore innovative cancer therapies by leveraging synthetic vulnerabilities that interact with tumor responses to radiation therapy. This initiative supports the development of targeted drug-radiation combinations, focusing on precision medicine to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing harm to normal tissues. By consolidating prior funding opportunities, PAIRS encourages research that addresses context-dependent vulnerabilities, enhancing therapeutic strategies and aligning with NIH's scientific goals.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award (K22) supports dentists transitioning from NIH postdoctoral roles to tenure-track faculty positions. It provides two years of mentored research training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of independent research funding at an extramural institution. Key deadlines for grant applications include February 12, 2025, and subsequent dates in June and October 2025, with additional deadlines for renewal and AIDS-related applications.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The American Cancer Society's Mentored Research Grants for Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) aim to support emerging researchers in their training programs, fostering their transition to independent cancer research careers. Eligible candidates include US citizens or non-citizens with valid visas who have completed their doctoral degrees within the last four years. The fellowship offers funding for up to three years, with stipends of $66,000 to $70,000 annually, alongside allowances for health insurance and professional development.

The Limited Competition: Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program offers funding to NIH-supported researchers for purchasing specialized instruments or integrated systems, with minimum awards of $25,000 and maximum awards reaching $350,000. Eligibility is restricted to institutions that have not received significant S10 funding in recent years. This program aims to enhance research capabilities by providing access to essential technology, thereby fostering scientific innovation and collaboration within the NIH community.

The Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG) by the American Cancer Society supports full-time faculty aiming to become independent clinician scientists while maintaining clinical practice. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree, an active clinical license, and have clinical care experience. The grant provides funding of $135,000 annually for 3 to 5 years, including allowable indirect costs, to advance cancer research in key priority areas.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) co-fund the Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG), aimed at advancing the research careers of clinician scientists in radiation oncology. Eligible applicants are full-time faculty members at U.S. institutions with a doctoral degree and an active clinical license. The grant supports research for 3 to 5 years, providing $135,000 annually for direct costs, plus allowable indirect costs, while encouraging diversity in applications.

This grant opportunity aims to advance research on how work impacts health disparities among U.S. populations. It invites innovative proposals that explore the interplay between occupation and health outcomes, particularly in communities experiencing health and healthcare inequalities. Deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, encouraging timely submissions for various categories including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program supports NIH-funded investigators in acquiring high-cost, specialized instruments, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $750,000. Eligible instruments include light microscopes, mass spectrometers, and DNA sequencers, among others. This program aims to enhance research capabilities by enabling the purchase or upgrade of essential equipment for scientific advancement.

Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant Program

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant program. CENTRO will award up to 12 grants, each up to $5,000, to non-institutionally affiliated and non-academic community organizations, individuals, or projects for community-based programs. 

The 2026-2027 the Rooted + Relational theme is Black Cuerpas: Race, Body Politics & Culture. CENTRO seeks to fund projects that examine

• How do race, gender, sexuality, and body politics shape the everyday lives and histories of Boricuas across the archipelago and diaspora? 
• What happens when we center race and Blackness in a field of study that has too often championed color-blindness and the myth of racial democracy to avoid the hard questions about racism, anti-Blackness, complicity, and erasure?

During the 2026-2027 academic year, grantees will implement their funded projects within their chosen communities. They will also present their work at a CENTRO event, attend three virtual meetings, and have their work highlighted through CENTRO’s communications and media channels. We invite community organizers, artists, creatives, writers, agricultural workers, activists, and cultural workers who reside in Puerto Rico and/or the United States and its territories to apply. 

The NHGRI's Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) program is set for a limited competition renewal to enhance a cloud-based platform that supports genomic research. With over 5 petabytes of data accessible to researchers, AnVIL fosters collaboration and innovation while adhering to FAIR principles. The renewed focus will include improved scalability, interoperability, and robust security measures. Additionally, training initiatives will ensure researchers maximize the potential of AnVIL's multimodal datasets. The funding opportunity is expected in 2027.

The Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to enhance national radiation oncology infrastructure through collaborative research. This initiative supports studies on biological responses to radiation treatment in cancer patients, focusing on understanding tumor and tissue changes. By integrating various scientific disciplines and collecting comprehensive data, ROBIN intends to improve cancer care, optimize treatment strategies, and accelerate translational discoveries to enhance patient outcomes.

The AACR Maximizing Opportunity for New Advancements in Research in Cancer (MONARCA) Grant aims to support early-career cancer researchers in Latin America. This initiative addresses the critical need for local evidence and knowledge in cancer control, helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled investigators. By promoting research across various cancer-related fields, the grant facilitates opportunities for professional development and aims to enhance the region's capabilities in addressing public health challenges related to cancer.

The NCAA Graduate Student Research Grant Program offers funding up to $7,500 for graduate research focused on intercollegiate athletics and the psychosocial experiences of college student-athletes. It aims to enhance empirical research and provide financial support for high-quality projects. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at an NCAA member institution and engage in research during the award period. The program prioritizes studies that advance understanding in social and behavioral sciences.

The Institutional Research Grants (IRG) program by the American Cancer Society provides essential seed funding for newly independent investigators to launch cancer research projects. Aimed at junior faculty, these grants offer $120,000 annually for three years, supporting the development of preliminary results necessary for competing for larger national grants. Eligible applicants must be at US academic institutions and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proven track record in research and mentorship.

The Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026, managed by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through collaborative multi-state efforts. This initiative aims to address pressing regional and national issues such as food safety and plant diseases, while promoting marketing strategies. Eligible projects should demonstrate measurable benefits across multiple U.S. states or territories, ensuring a broader impact on the specialty crop industry.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports talented postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to facilitate the development of competitive, independent research careers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for prospective awardees.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Puerto Rico provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Grants support up to 75% of project costs for communities with a population under 5,000 and low median household incomes. This program aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by funding vital services that foster community growth and support local needs.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is collaborating with other NIH institutes to enhance rigor and replicability in biomedical and behavioral research. This initiative aims to support projects focused on assessing the impact of improved research practices, developing frameworks for study selection, and measuring the generalizability of findings. Currently, applications are not being solicited, allowing researchers time to prepare collaborative proposals.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research at institutions that receive limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research for undergraduate students. This program aims to enhance the research environment and provide valuable experiences for students. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over four of the last seven years. This funding opportunity encourages investigator-initiated minimal risk clinical trials to advance NIH missions.

The DoW Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Translational Research Award aims to transform scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This program encourages innovative research approaches and requires preliminary data. It prohibits basic research and clinical trials, emphasizing the need for relevant animal models or community-based participatory research for human subjects. Funding supports two research levels, refining ideas into tangible products or evaluating them for clinical trials, with options for early-career investigator partnerships.

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship aims to enhance the skills of early-career conservation scientists through two years of applied research and mentorship. It supports global scientists at U.S. institutions, focusing on pressing conservation issues, and encourages collaboration with practitioners. The fellowship emphasizes cutting-edge research, leadership development, and practical applications in conservation biology, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to bridge science and policy.

The Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) aim to bolster NCI-Designated Cancer Centers by funding comprehensive, clinical, and basic cancer research. These grants facilitate the integration of diverse research capabilities, promoting innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. CCSGs encourage collaboration among researchers and the development of Shared Resources, ultimately enhancing the understanding of cancer and its treatment. This initiative supports the continuous discovery and dissemination of crucial research findings for community benefit.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.