Grants for Operating
What About Operating Grants?
We DO make grants for Programmatic Operating Support. We DO NOT make grants for General Operating Support.
What is the difference?
Programmatic Operating Support funds what an organization does. In other words, this is funding to deliver services.
General Operating Support funds how an organization sustains itself to do that work well. In other words, this is funding to sustain the organization.
Programmatic Operating Support
Programmatic Operating Support Grants are intended to support the core programs and services that directly advance the organization’s charitable mission. These grants help cover the real, day-to-day costs of delivering services to the community.
Grants may be used for expenses directly tied to delivering your mission, such as:
- Program supplies and materials
- Direct client or participant costs (food, books, equipment, services)
- Program staff salaries and benefits (proportionate to program delivery)
- Program-related training, outreach or travel
- Costs clearly and primarily attributable to a specific service or program
Examples:
- A grant to a food pantry for food purchases
- A grant to an arts nonprofit to pay teaching artists and supplies for youth classes
- A grant to a housing nonprofit for case management services tied to tenant support
Programmatic Operating Support Grants may not be used for:
- Rent, utilities, insurance, other occupancy costs
- Executive or administrative staff time unrelated to program delivery
- Fundraising events or activities
- IT, accounting, HR, audit and related organizational costs
- Governance and board development
- Costs incurred prior to the grant award