22 Must-Know Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in 2026

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Securing operational funding is a critical challenge for nonprofit organizations across the United States. While program-specific grants are more common, operational grants that cover essential expenses like staff salaries, rent, and utilities are vital for sustaining and scaling nonprofit missions. This guide outlines 22 notable operational grants available to U.S. nonprofits, offering insights into their applicability and tips to enhance your chances of success.

1. Impact100 Grants:

impact100.org

• Overview: Impact100 is a women-led collective giving organization that empowers local chapters to award high-impact grants to nonprofits creating meaningful change. Members pool their donations, and each chapter awards grants of $100,000 or more to organizations aligned with key focus areas. For example, Impact100 Traverse City will distribute $345,000 in 2026, granting $115,000 each to three nonprofits.
• Applicability: Ideal for nonprofits focusing on Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Recreation, Family, and Health & Wellness within the specific Impact100 chapter regions.
• Application Tips:
  • Align your project with one of the five focus areas.
  • Demonstrate the transformative impact of your initiative.
  • Engage with the local Impact100 chapter for guidance.

2. Midland Area Community Foundation Grants: midlandfoundation.org

• Overview: The Midland Area Community Foundation provides grants to address cultural, educational, recreational, and scientific needs that enhance life in Midland County, Michigan. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the foundation awarded over $500,000 to local nonprofits supporting impactful, community-based initiatives. The foundation funds a wide range of programs that improve quality of life and foster long-term community growth.
• Applicability: Nonprofits operating in Midland County seeking funding for community-enriching projects.
• Application Tips:
  • Ensure your project aligns with the foundation’s strategic focus areas.
  • Prepare a detailed budget and clear objectives.

3. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP): dhs.gov

• Overview: The NSGP, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, provides funding to nonprofits at risk of terrorist attacks to bolster physical security. In response to rising hate crimes, DHS allocated an additional $210 million to the program, with a focus on faith-based organizations, schools, and community centers. Grants can be used for security enhancements such as cameras, access controls, training, and emergency planning.
• Applicability: Nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks, including religious institutions, schools, and community centers.
• Application Tips:
  • Conduct a thorough vulnerability assessment.
  • Develop a comprehensive security plan.
  • Coordinate with your State Administrative Agency (SAA) for application procedures.

4. West Virginia First Foundation Grants: https://wvfirst.org/

• Overview: The West Virginia First Foundation administers opioid settlement funds to support initiatives combating substance abuse across the state. In 2026, the foundation allocated $10.4 million to nonprofits focused on child advocacy centers, recovery housing, and diversion programs. These grants aim to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services in West Virginia communities most affected by the opioid crisis.
• Applicability: Nonprofits in West Virginia addressing substance abuse prevention, recovery, and related services.
• Application Tips:
  • Demonstrate evidence-based approaches in your programs.
  • Highlight community partnerships and support.
  • Prepare for potential supplemental awards by aligning with foundation priorities.

5. Melinda French Gates’ Women’s Health Grants: leverforchange.org

• Overview: Melinda French Gates has committed $250 million to advance women’s health worldwide, aiming to close long-standing research and funding gaps. The initiative supports nonprofits addressing critical issues such as mental health, menopause, and reproductive care. Grants range from $1 million to $5 million and are administered through a competitive, transparent process by Lever for Change, emphasizing equity and community impact.
• Applicability: Nonprofits focusing on women’s health issues, including mental health and menopause, both in the U.S. and globally.
• Application Tips:
  • Ensure your project addresses specific women’s health challenges.
  • Engage in the transparent and equitable application process managed by Lever for Change.
  • Prepare to participate in peer and expert reviews.

6. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grants: neh.gov

• Overview: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers grants to support research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. Funding is available for museums, libraries, archives, colleges, and cultural organizations. Despite recent federal budget cuts, NEH continues to fund projects that foster understanding of history, literature, philosophy, and culture. Grants vary in size depending on the program and project scope.
• Applicability: Nonprofits engaged in humanities projects, including museums, libraries, and educational institutions.
• Application Tips:
  • Stay updated on NEH funding opportunities and deadlines.
  • Prepare for competitive applications due to reduced funding.
  • Demonstrate the public impact and scholarly significance of your project.

7. AmeriCorps Grants: americorps.gov

• Overview: AmeriCorps supports nonprofits by providing volunteer resources to expand their capacity to serve communities. Organizations can integrate AmeriCorps members into their programs to enhance service delivery, outreach, and community impact. While recent budget cuts have affected funding availability, AmeriCorps continues to provide vital resources to nonprofits, particularly those focused on addressing social challenges.
• Applicability: Nonprofits that can integrate AmeriCorps members into their programs for capacity building.
• Application Tips:
  • Monitor AmeriCorps announcements for funding opportunities.
  • Develop programs that align with AmeriCorps’ mission and priorities.
  • Prepare for potential funding uncertainties and have contingency plans.

8. Department of Justice (DOJ) Grants: justice.gov

• Overview: The Department of Justice (DOJ) provides grants to nonprofits addressing criminal justice, victim support, and public safety issues. While DOJ has faced recent challenges, including the cancellation of over 350 grants, it continues to offer funding through various programs. These grants support initiatives in law enforcement, anti-trafficking, and crime prevention.
• Applicability: Nonprofits working in criminal justice, victim support, and related areas.
• Application Tips:
  • Align your project with DOJ priorities, such as law enforcement and anti-trafficking.
  • Prepare for rigorous reporting and compliance requirements.
  • Stay informed about policy shifts that may affect funding.

9. Local Community Foundations:

This will vary by location. You can find local community foundations by searching online or using directories like www.cof.org.

• Overview: Many local community foundations provide operational grants to nonprofits working to address specific community needs. These grants often focus on areas like education, health, arts, social services, and more. By supporting local organizations, community foundations aim to foster positive, long-term change within their regions. The funding available varies by foundation and can be a crucial resource for nonprofits serving their immediate communities.
• Applicability: Nonprofits addressing local community needs across various sectors.
• Application Tips:
  • Research foundations in your area and their funding priorities.
  • Build relationships with foundation staff and participate in community events.
  • Tailor your application to reflect local impact and relevance.

10. Private Philanthropic Foundations:

www.fordfoundation.org

www.macfound.org

• Overview: Private philanthropic foundations like the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation provide operational grants to nonprofits that align with their missions. These foundations focus on social justice, education, arts, human rights, and other key issues. Grants from such foundations can significantly boost nonprofits’ ability to expand their impact and achieve their goals.
• Applicability: Nonprofits working in areas such as social justice, education, and the arts.
• Application Tips:
  • Understand each foundation’s specific interests and past grantees.
  • Demonstrate how your organization aligns with their strategic goals.
  • Prepare comprehensive proposals with clear objectives and outcomes.

11. Corporate Giving Programs:

This will vary by corporation. Research specific companies for their corporate giving programs, such as www.corporatecitizenship.org.

• Overview: Many corporations have philanthropic arms that provide grants to nonprofits, with a focus on community development, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Corporate giving programs often fund initiatives that align with a company’s values and goals, benefiting both the nonprofit and the corporation through positive community impact and enhanced reputation.
• Applicability: Nonprofits that can partner with corporations to address mutual goals.
• Application Tips:
  • Identify corporations whose values align with your mission.
  • Leverage existing relationships with corporate employees or stakeholders.
  • Highlight potential benefits to the corporation, such as community goodwill.

12. Faith-Based Grants:

This varies by religious organization. Check with specific faith-based foundations or use platforms like www.guidestar.org for detailed information.

• Overview: Many religious organizations provide grants to nonprofits that share their faith-based missions. These grants often focus on addressing social issues like poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, while also promoting spiritual growth and community well-being. Faith-based funding can be a significant resource for nonprofits that integrate religious values into their programs.
• Applicability: Nonprofits working in areas like poverty alleviation, education, and health, often with a faith-based approach.
• Application Tips:
  • Ensure your organization’s mission aligns with the faith-based funder’s values.
  • Demonstrate the spiritual and community impact of your programs.
  • Be transparent about your organization’s faith-based affiliations.

13. gov: www.grants.gov

Grants.gov is the central hub for finding and applying for federal grants. It provides access to thousands of funding opportunities across all sectors, including health, education, social services, and more.

14. Foundation Center (Candid): candid.org

Candid is a leading resource for nonprofit funding opportunities. It offers a comprehensive database of foundations and grantmakers, providing valuable tools for finding grants and learning about potential funders.

15. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants: https://grants.nih.gov/

The NIH offers grants specifically for health-related projects, including medical research, health education, and public health initiatives. It’s a crucial resource for nonprofits focused on improving health outcomes.

16. The United Way: unitedway.org

United Way offers grants to nonprofits working to address community health, education, and financial stability issues. They have local chapters that frequently offer funding for community projects.

17. The Chronicle of Philanthropy: philanthropy.com

This website provides resources for nonprofits to stay updated on available grants, fundraising news, and best practices for securing funding.

18. The Community Foundation Locator: cof.org

This tool by the Council on Foundations helps you find local community foundations offering grants for a variety of nonprofit sectors. It’s especially useful for small nonprofits looking for localized funding.

19. The Ford Foundation: fordfoundation.org

The Ford Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on social justice, human rights, and economic development. It’s a major philanthropic organization with a global reach.

20. The MacArthur Foundation: macfound.org

Known for its focus on social change, the MacArthur Foundation supports nonprofits addressing issues like human rights, climate change, and education.

21. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: gatesfoundation.org

The Gates Foundation funds nonprofits working in areas such as global health, poverty alleviation, education, and gender equality. It’s one of the largest foundations supporting global development.

22. The Nonprofit Finance Fund: nonprofitfinancefund.org

This site offers resources for nonprofit financial management, including funding opportunities and capacity-building tools to help nonprofits secure and manage grants effectively.

Conclusion

Securing operational grants can be a transformative step for nonprofits seeking to expand their reach and amplify their impact. From local community foundations to private philanthropic organizations, there is a wide range of funding opportunities available to nonprofits across various sectors. Understanding each grant’s unique focus and aligning your organization’s mission with the funder’s priorities is essential for success. By following the application tips and staying informed about evolving funding landscapes, nonprofits can increase their chances of receiving the financial support needed to achieve their goals. Whether you’re focused on social justice, education, community development, or faith-based work, there are ample resources to help fuel your mission and create lasting change.