Finding operating support is one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face. The right operational grant can provide the funding you need to strengthen infrastructure, retain talent, and scale your impact.
Here are 12 general operating support grants (plus 5 grant search tools) that US nonprofit organizations can use to help fund day-to-day operations.
What is an operational grant for nonprofits?
Operational grants provide flexible funding that eligible nonprofit organizations can use to cover essential day-to-day expenses. This includes staff salaries, rent, utilities, technology, professional development, and other core administrative costs that keep organizations running smoothly.
Unlike restricted program funding, which must be used for specific projects or initiatives, operating support gives nonprofits the financial freedom they need to cover the costs of running the nonprofit itself.
Types of operating support
Operating grants come in several forms, each supporting different aspects of nonprofit infrastructure.
- General operating support provides completely unrestricted funding that organizations can use wherever needed
- Capacity-building grants focus on strengthening specific operational areas like technology systems or staff training
- Core support grants help cover basic overhead costs
- Working capital grants provide flexible funding to manage cash flow timing
Some funders offer hybrid models that combine operating support with program-specific funding, or cash for general operating support plus earmarked grants for specific improvements.
Open applications
One of the challenges in securing nonprofit funding is that many foundations don't accept unsolicited grant applications. However, as of the time of this writing, the opportunities presented below all welcome unsolicited requests from qualified nonprofits.
Each open application process comes with its own mission-driven focus and deadlines, so be sure to review the eligibility requirements, focus areas, and timelines before applying.
12 operating grants for US nonprofit organizations
While grant priorities and availability may shift over time, these foundations have proven track records of helping nonprofits strengthen their operational capacity and infrastructure.
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE grants
AWS IMAGINE grants combine unrestricted cash funding with cloud technology credits, helping nonprofits use digital tech for greater impact. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations can apply from April 14 to June 2, 2025 for the current grant cycle. The program is designed to help nonprofits use cloud technology to advance their mission.
2. Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Bank of America's 2025 open grant opportunity focuses on nonprofits that provide stable housing and empower community development. Eligible organizations can apply from May 19 to June 30 after completing a short quiz to make sure they qualify. The foundation provides flexible funding that can include operating support for organizations that align with their funding priorities.
3. Clif Family Foundation
The Clif Family Foundation provides biannual open-call grants that support both operational costs and specific projects. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 for one-year periods, with deadlines on March 1 and August 1. The foundation focuses on strengthening food systems, enhancing equitable community health, and protecting the environment. Applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status or have fiscal sponsorship from a qualified organization.
4. GEICO Philanthropic Foundation
GEICO's foundation awards grants that support education, community engagement, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. The foundation accepts online applications from October 1 to December 31. Organizations must be operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
5. Google Ad grants
Google's nonprofit advertising program offers qualifying organizations up to $10,000 monthly in search advertising credits. Organizations can apply year-round through Google for Nonprofits, though government organizations and hospitals are generally excluded. Schools are also excluded but may receive support through Google for Education.
6. Kroger Co. Foundation: Zero Hunger | Zero Waste
The Kroger Foundation processes unsolicited grant applications quarterly, with a focus on initiatives that advance DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), health, nutrition, education, hunger relief, disaster relief, and sustainability.
7. Lawrence Foundation
The Lawrence Foundation provides contributions and unrestricted grants to qualified public charities under section 501(c)(3) as well as public schools and libraries. Organizations can apply twice each year, from Apr 1 to Apr 30 for June, and from Sep 1 - Oct 31 for December. Up to 50% of any awarded grant may be used for reasonable indirect costs.
8. Public Welfare Foundation
Public Welfare Foundation offers operational grants for organizations that advance racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness. The foundation accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry in the fall, looking for organizations whose work aligns with their core values.
9. Walmart Foundation Community Grants
Walmart's local community grants range from $250 to $5,000, supporting local nonprofit organizations that serve areas near Walmart or Sam's Club locations. The foundation focuses on creating opportunity, advancing sustainability, strengthening communities, and promoting racial equity. Their open application process makes these grants accessible to local organizations.
10. Wells Fargo Community Giving
Wells Fargo nonprofit grants welcomes unsolicited grant interest forms year-round from nonprofits that are aligned with their strategic priorities: financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The foundation seeks to strengthen underserved communities by supporting pathways to economic advancement and generational wealth.
11. Whole Foods Market Foundation
Whole Foods provides biannual nonprofits' operating grants focused on food access and environmental stewardship—perfect for grassroots organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted through their Community Engagement Portal, with 2025 deadlines on April 13 and October 12.
12. W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The Kellogg Foundation accepts unsolicited applications year-round. Their focus areas include thriving children, working families, and equitable communities, often involving food systems, health equity, education, and job equity.
How to find even more opportunities beyond this list
Beyond the opportunities listed above, several powerful research tools can help nonprofits identify additional operating grant opportunities. These platforms provide broad databases and smart matching capabilities to support your funding search, as well as tools to make the entire grant application process easier and more accessible.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov serves as the central portal for all federal government grant opportunities. This essential platform provides detailed information about available funding, application requirements, and deadlines for grants from government agencies. The site offers powerful search tools and email alerts to help organizations identify relevant federal funding opportunities as soon as they become available.
Candid (Foundation Directory Online)
Candid's Foundation Directory Online offers access to a searchable database of foundation grants and corporate grants. Full access requires a subscription, but some public libraries provide free access to this resource. The platform includes detailed profiles of funders, recent grant history, and application requirements to help nonprofits identify promising funding prospects.
Instrumentl
Instrumentl employs matching algorithms to connect nonprofits with relevant funding opportunities. The platform provides funder insights, deadline tracking, and application management tools. As of the time of this writing, Instrumentl is a paid subscription service that offers free 14-day trials.
GrantStation
GrantStation provides tools to help nonprofits identify funding sources as well as tools and webinars to help you learn to develop a funding strategy and draft proposals. The platform also offers regular updates about new opportunities and detailed funder research. As of the time of this writing, the site is advertising a reduced annual membership price for a promotion that ends on April 30.
State nonprofit associations
State nonprofit associations can offer valuable insights about local funding opportunities and grant programs. These organizations often maintain databases of state-specific funders, provide grant-writing resources, and offer guidance on building relationships with local foundations. You can find them online by searching for the name of your state plus "nonprofit association."
How can nonprofits improve their chances of securing an operational grant?
To secure operational support, nonprofits need to demonstrate programmatic excellence, operational efficiency, and financial transparency while building meaningful relationships with potential funders.
A strategic approach to grant-seeking can significantly improve your chance of success.
Build a compelling case for support
Effective requests clearly articulate how the organizational support will translate into greater mission impact. Use concrete examples and data to connect operational investments to specific outcomes, showing how improved infrastructure, technology, or staff development will enhance program delivery and community benefit.
Cultivate funder relationships
Strong relationships with funders extend beyond formal grant applications. Take the time to understand each funder's priorities and approach to giving. When appropriate, engage program officers in discussions about your work and invite them to see your programs firsthand. Regular updates about your impact and challenges build trust and understanding, which can lead to sustained support.
Demonstrate financial responsibility
Funders want to help organizations that manage resources effectively. Maintain clear financial records, develop realistic budgets, and be prepared to explain your financial strategy. Show how you leverage different funding sources, manage cash flow, and make strategic decisions about resource allocation. Transparent financial management builds confidence in your organization's ability to use operating support effectively.
Develop strong reporting capabilities
Robust impact measurement and clear outcome reporting strengthen initial grant applications as well as ongoing funder relationships. Develop systems to track and communicate your quantitative and qualitative results. Show how you use data to improve operations and demonstrate return on investment for operational funding.
Leverage BILL Spend & Expense to help manage your grant funds
BILL Spend & Expense helps nonprofits maintain the financial transparency and accountability that grantmakers expect. Our solution streamlines expense tracking* while maintaining clear audit trails that simplify grant reporting and compliance.
With BILL Spend & Expense, you can:
- Tie expenses to specific budgets by grant or funding source
- Maintain detailed documentation for every transaction
- Generate custom reports for different funders
- Demonstrate responsible stewardship of grant funds
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