Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

Sterling High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight David Huggins

Dwight David Huggins (Class of 1962) contributed to this scholarship with a gift from his estate in 2024. His intent was to assist deserving African American/Black students residing in Greenville County, in need of financial assistance to be able to attend institutions of higher learning while seeking to become lifelong learners and productive, self-sufficient members of our society. The preference for descendants of Sterling High School Alumni and Israel Metropolitan AME church is in recognition of him being a former member of both organizations.

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women who appear to be able, deserving, and in real need of financial assistance in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic, or professional education.

Amount

• $1,000+

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

Amount

$1,000+

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

The Leonard and Dorothy Custer Memorial Scholarship supports undergraduate students in Colorado who have experienced foster care for at least two years within the last five years. With a minimum award of $4,000, this scholarship can be utilized for tuition, fees, and educational supplies. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be enrolled in an accredited institution. Applications are evaluated based on academic performance and potential.

The Columbine Memorial Scholarship supports engaged students from the Jefferson County School District who have positively impacted their school and community. Scholarships are awarded annually through a competitive process based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and an essay. Eligible applicants must graduate from a public high school in the district, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and plan to attend an accredited institution in the upcoming fall semester. Award disbursement depends on external scholarship policies.

The Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship, awarded by the Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship Fund, supports students from Herkimer and Oneida counties who demonstrate leadership qualities and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established by the Leonard J. Capuana West Utica Democratic Club, this scholarship aims to empower graduates planning to attend college or university. Through partnerships with organizations like Utica Dollars for Scholars, it seeks to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth.

The Brayman-Beach Scholarship, honoring leaders Susan J. Brayman and Carroll D. Beach, supports Colorado youth pursuing a bachelor's degree. It awards two scholarships of $5,000 annually, aimed at members of Colorado credit unions who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and complete the FAFSA by March 1. This investment in education fosters the future of the credit union movement.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Dr. John P. Sheehan Scholarship, awarded by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provides financial support to graduates from Utica's public and parochial schools for pursuing higher education or vocational training. This initiative aims to empower local students by facilitating access to educational opportunities, thereby enhancing their lives and contributing to community growth. Eligible candidates must be attending a college in the U.S. and be students from specific schools in Utica.

The Catalyst Adventure Grant, offered by the American Alpine Club, supports individuals and teams from underrepresented communities in climbing. Awards range from $250 to $2,000, aiming to overcome barriers to access. The grant promotes skill progression in various climbing disciplines, emphasizing community engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or green card holders of all experience levels, with expeditions required to occur between June 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

The LACCW Resilience Scholarship Program, initiated by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, supports women in overcoming personal and academic challenges. Established in 1999, it has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, emphasizing resilience and determination. Eligible applicants must reside in Los Angeles County and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled in accredited educational programs. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also motivates women to achieve their academic goals despite adversities.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Active/Inactive Military and Military Veteran Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The ISF New Student Scholarship supports orphaned or former foster care students in their pursuit of higher education. By providing financial assistance and mentoring, ISF empowers these students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically. Recipients are selected based on their moral character, commitment to personal growth, and readiness to engage in leadership training. This initiative aims to transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.

Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF), a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association, provides funding for nursing research grants and scholarships.

Each year, MNAF provides thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to members and students. They are excellent opportunities to advance the nursing profession through research and education. Members are encouraged to apply.

MNA Legacy Scholarships

Children, grandchildren, or dependents of active or retired MNA members in good standing are eligible to apply for an MNA Legacy Scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program. 

The E. Price Ripley Memorial Foundation Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving young people in their chosen field of endeavor.

Amount

$2,000+

The Woman of Wonder Scholarship supports women residents of Washington State pursuing higher education, whether full-time or part-time. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and share a personal essay about a pivotal life moment. This scholarship aims to empower single mothers and women facing challenges in their educational journey. Awards can be used for undergraduate, advanced degrees, continuing education, or certificates, ensuring accessibility for all women seeking academic advancement.

The George C. Decas Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. Established to assist local students, the scholarship awards recipients over four years contingent upon their academic progress. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community development, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to philanthropy and regional improvement since 1995.

The George Earl and Katherine Hartley Church Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers annual scholarships to graduating seniors from Acushnet, Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett, MA, as well as students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing nursing degrees (LPN, RN, or BSN) at accredited two- or four-year colleges. It aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Hazel Herring Civic Improvement Grant, established by the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, supports projects aimed at enhancing community spaces. Eligible initiatives include community gardens, playgrounds, and beautification efforts. This grant allows members to fund new phases of ongoing projects, fostering civic engagement and improving public areas. Since its inception, the grant has evolved from an award to a funding opportunity for branches and divisions, ensuring a lasting impact on local communities.

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

The Georgia and Constantine Decas Family Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. This scholarship is awarded annually and provides funding for up to four years of education, contingent on the recipient's academic progress. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to philanthropy and the support of local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Somerset Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides essential tuition assistance for Somerset resident students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year institutions. This initiative aims to support students who may not qualify for traditional scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations. With a strong commitment to community improvement, the foundation has distributed over $50 million to various local organizations since its inception in 1995.

The Samuel and Solomon Rusitzky Entrepreneurial Education Scholarship Fund, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers annual college scholarships to adult workers in the New Bedford area. These scholarships aim to assist individuals seeking to enhance their professional qualifications through higher education at accredited institutions. Since its inception, the Foundation has mobilized significant philanthropic resources to support community needs and improve the quality of life in the region.

The Frank D. Sylvia Trust Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, honors Frank D. Sylvia's late son. This scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving high school seniors from Dighton or Somerset. Since its inception, the foundation has mobilized philanthropy, distributing over $50 million to meet community needs. The scholarship aims to support students with financial need, fostering educational opportunities and enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The Corey C. Griffin Scholarship, offered by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, awards two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors. This initiative honors Corey C. Griffin’s legacy by recognizing students who embody his 'never quit' attitude and commitment to community service. Eligible applicants must attend specific high schools and have applied to a post-secondary institution. Note that children of Yellowstone Club employees at the Director level are not eligible for this merit-based scholarship.