Every nonprofit knows that keeping things running, lights on, staff paid, tech working, isn’t always easy. And while big fundraising campaigns or special events can bring in money, they don’t always cover the everyday costs that help you keep moving forward. That’s where operating grants come in.
Operating grants give you the flexible funding you need to cover the day-to-day stuff. Think rent, software, supplies, and yes, even salaries. They’re not tied to a specific project, which means you can put the money where you actually need it. These grants are a lifeline for many organizations trying to grow, stabilize, or just make it through the next quarter.
What are operating grants, and why do they matter?
Operating grants, also called general support grants, are funds you can use for anything that helps your organization run. That means covering your core costs, not just programs or new projects. Think rent, utilities, admin salaries, office supplies, or the software your team uses every day. It’s the stuff that keeps everything moving, but that donors don’t always think to support.
A lot of grants come with strings attached. You might get money for one program, but still struggle to pay for the person running it. Operating grants are different. They trust you to know what your organization needs most. And that trust makes a big difference.
From our experience working with nonprofits, having this kind of flexible funding often marks a turning point. Teams go from surviving to planning ahead. Instead of chasing small, one-time donations, they can focus on building lasting impact. That shift? It creates space for real growth.
Sources of operating grant funding
Finding operating grants can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack, especially when most funding is tied to specific projects. But the good news? There are reliable places to look, and we’ve seen many nonprofits get steady support once they know where to go.
Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations
Foundations are one of the most common sources of general operating support. These groups, like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Ford Foundation, or the Clif Family Foundation, don’t just fund programs. Many of them offer unrestricted grants because they understand nonprofits need stable footing.
These grants often focus on long-term change. Funders want to see your mission succeed, and they know that happens when your whole organization is healthy, not just one project.
Government grants and funding opportunities
Yes, government agencies do fund operations, it just takes a little digging. Platforms like Grants.gov or state-specific portals list thousands of opportunities, some of which support core costs. For example, the National Endowment for the Arts has operating grants to help arts organizations stay active in their communities.
It’s not always simple to apply, but the payoff can be huge. With a strong case for your mission and your community impact, you can tap into these larger pots of funding.
Corporate grants and community foundation support
Don’t overlook the power of business and local giving. Corporations like Amazon and Google offer impactful programs, think Amazon Web Services, AWS Imagine Grants and Google Ad Grants, that help nonprofits grow without charging them a dime.
Local community foundations also play a key role. They often support nonprofits that are deeply connected to the community, and they’re more likely to offer flexible grants to help you meet real-world needs.
Top operating grant programs for nonprofits in 2025
There are a lot of grants out there, but not all of them help with day-to-day operations. We’ve gathered some of the most well-known, and well-loved, operating grant programs that give nonprofits the flexibility they actually need.
Here are some of the top programs to watch in 2025:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Imagine Grants
Focused on tech-forward nonprofits, this grant supports innovation and infrastructure, perfect if you're using cloud-based tools or data-driven solutions. - W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Known for supporting racial equity, early childhood, and family well-being. They offer general operating support to nonprofits that align with their values. - Google Ad Grants
This one’s different, it gives you up to $10,000/month in free advertising on Google. It’s not cash in-hand, but it can drive traffic, donations, and awareness in a big way. - Clif Family Foundation
Supports small- to mid-size nonprofits working on strengthening food systems and environmental justice. They offer flexible funding that covers operations. - Open Society Foundation
Focused on justice, education, and public health. Their general support grants help organizations grow long-term, not just deliver short-term projects. - Walmart Foundation Community Grants
These grants range from $250 to $5,000 and are perfect for local nonprofits supporting education, health, and hunger relief. - Wells Fargo Nonprofit Grants
Supports nonprofits that promote economic opportunity, housing, and small business growth. Many of their grants can be used for general operating costs. - PATH Foundation General Operations Grants
A regional program that provides unrestricted funds to nonprofits making a direct impact in their communities.
These grant programs aren’t just helpful, they’re realistic options. And with the right strategy, you can tap into them year after year.
How to choose the right grant for your nonprofit
Not every grant is the right fit, and that’s okay. What matters is finding funding that works for your organization, not just today but in the long run. We’ve worked with enough nonprofits to know that being picky can actually save you time and stress.
Start by thinking about what you really need. Is it money for rent? Staff salaries? New systems? Look for grants that offer general operating support, not just restricted project funding. A good sign is when funders say the money can be used for “core costs” or “capacity building.”
Next, look at the dollar amount. Some grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. That’s a wide span. Make sure the effort it takes to apply is worth the return, and that you can handle any reporting requirements.
Another thing to check? The funder’s priorities. Does your mission line up with what they care about? If they focus on education, and you’re in the health space, it might not be a match. But if your work overlaps, even a little, it’s worth a closer look.
Finally, ask yourself: Can this grant help us grow, or will it just help us get by? That mindset shift can help you focus on funding that fuels your mission long-term.
How to prepare a successful grant application
Writing a grant application can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling everything else. But with the right prep, you can make a strong case for support, and increase your chances of getting that yes.
Start with your story. Funders want to understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Be clear, but keep it real. Use examples that show the impact of your work. If you've helped a family find housing or got meals for kids over the summer, tell that story.
Then, make sure your budget is solid. A clean, well-explained budget builds trust. Show how you'll use the grant money to support operations, like paying staff, covering rent, or maintaining systems that keep everything running.
It also helps to include some data. How many people do you serve each month? What kind of outcomes have you achieved? Numbers help funders see the big picture, especially when paired with real stories.
And don't forget: each funder is different. Always follow their guidelines, answer every question, and proofread everything. The extra time you spend here can make all the difference.
From our experience, the most successful applications come from organizations that show both passion and preparation. You know your mission matters, make sure they see that too.
Strategies for maximizing and managing grant funding
Once you’ve secured an operating grant, the real work begins, making the most of it. This is where strong planning, clear tracking, and honest communication really matter.
First, create a simple plan for how the funds will be used. Even if the grant is unrestricted, funders still want to know their support is making a difference. Break it down: how much is going toward staff, tools, rent, or outreach? Keep it clear and flexible.
Next, track everything. Use software, or even a simple spreadsheet, to follow how the money is spent. This helps you stay organized and makes reporting way easier when the time comes. (We’ve seen teams stress less just by having a good system in place.)
Reporting back to the funder is key. It’s not just about checking a box. It’s about showing your impact and building a relationship. Be honest about wins and challenges. Funders appreciate transparency, and it can lead to more support down the road.
And one more thing, stay in touch. Send updates. Share stories. Invite them to events. When funders feel connected to your mission, they’re more likely to stick around for the long haul.
How operating grants work from application to impact
Let’s break down how operating grants typically flow, from the first step to the real-world results. You don’t need a complicated system to understand it.
Here’s a simple view of what the process usually looks like:
- Identify a grant opportunity
Find a grant that matches your mission and allows for general operating support. - Prepare your application
Pull together your story, budget, goals, and key data. Follow the funder’s guidelines closely. - Submit and wait
After you apply, there may be a review period that lasts a few weeks or even months. - Receive the grant
If approved, you’ll get a lump sum or scheduled payments based on your agreement. - Use the funds
Apply the funding toward your core needs: staff, rent, tools, tech, whatever keeps you going. - Track and report
Keep good records and share impact updates with the funder to show how the grant made a difference.
This kind of unrestricted funding gives you room to think bigger and act faster. It’s not about jumping through hoops, it’s about building trust, showing results, and growing your mission the smart way.
Why operating grants matter now
Securing operating grants isn’t just about money, it’s about stability. It’s about finally being able to plan ahead, invest in your team, and say yes to opportunities without wondering how you’ll pay for the basics. We’ve seen how one well-timed grant can be a turning point for an organization. It creates breathing room. It builds momentum.
Remember: you don’t need to chase every grant. Focus on the ones that understand your work and trust you to do it well. Be thoughtful. Be prepared. And don’t be afraid to tell your story in a way that’s real, not polished.
And if you need help building the kind of support that lasts, we’re here for you.
Partner with Harness to simplify your fundraising and unlock expert-backed tools that work for your whole organization, not just one campaign. Let’s build something sustainable together.
