Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The ONR FY27 Young Investigator Program invites cutting-edge research proposals in priority areas that align with the interests of ONR Program Officers. This federal funding opportunity aims to support innovative projects led by early-career researchers, fostering advancements in science and technology relevant to the Navy. Interested applicants can find detailed eligibility criteria and contact information on the ONR website, encouraging collaboration and engagement in impactful research.

The Max Kade Foundation Grant supports educational institutions and charitable organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS. It emphasizes Germanic studies and transatlantic exchanges through various programs, including postdoctoral research, faculty exchanges, and language teacher training. The foundation aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and German-speaking countries, offering funding opportunities for innovative educational initiatives.

The Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides two $6,000 awards to undergraduate students in their third, fourth, or fifth year pursuing a Business major, with a preference for Accounting. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75, demonstrate financial need, and be employed while studying at an accredited four-year institution in Missouri or a contiguous state. Required application materials include a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a summary of community service.

The Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides twelve renewable scholarships of $6,000 each for high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Eligible students must enroll in a four-year accredited private college and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Requirements include a transcript, an essay on community service, and a letter of recommendation highlighting the applicant's character and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

The DefIANt Scholars Program, initiated by the Erie Community Foundation, provides scholarships aimed at students with disabilities. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 deserving students to support their pursuit of post-secondary education. This initiative emphasizes breaking down barriers and misconceptions within educational environments, with a preference for applicants from Erie County, fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the disabled community.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary has been supporting future healthcare professionals since 1961 by providing scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students. In 2025, they awarded $30,000 to 21 exceptional students who have shown academic excellence and a commitment to healthcare. This initiative not only benefits the recipients but also contributes to the community by nurturing the next generation of medical leaders. Eligible high school students can reapply throughout their college years, ensuring continuous support for their educational journeys.

The Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The NIH invites applications for research projects focusing on developing and enhancing models for studying human health and diseases. Projects must demonstrate broad applicability across multiple NIH Institutes, addressing diseases that impact various organ systems. Successful proposals will outline the need for resources and their potential impact on diverse scientific disciplines. Applications targeting specific diseases or with limited NIH relevance will not be accepted. Deadline for submission is 5:00 PM local time.

The Truman Scholarship, established by the Truman Foundation, supports college juniors committed to public service. It offers up to $30,000 for graduate studies, alongside mentoring and career development opportunities. Ideal candidates demonstrate leadership, a strong commitment to public service, and the potential for success in graduate school. This prestigious award aims to cultivate future leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The PCORI Call for Proposals for HSII Implementation Projects invites innovative approaches to address barriers in healthcare settings. These projects should enhance practice change through active, multi-component strategies and include rigorous evaluations to measure implementation effectiveness. While developing tools to support these strategies is permitted, it should not be the main focus. Successful proposals will demonstrate their potential impact on healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens. Funded by the FDA, this initiative strengthens the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System established in 1996. By improving detection methods and expanding sampling sites, the program seeks to protect public health and align with NARMS objectives, ultimately combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in food commodities.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Replogle, Greg Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a nursing career. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be active members of their class. Preference is given to students involved in extracurricular activities during their junior and senior years. This scholarship aims to support students in their higher education endeavors, ensuring they have the financial resources needed for success.

The Russell, John; Dentistry Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support a graduating senior from Beatrice High School pursuing a career in dentistry. This $2,000 scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent on continued enrollment in a dentistry program. It is designed for students with financial need, providing invaluable assistance for tuition, room and board, or books during their undergraduate studies.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

Bethany's Butterflies Scholarship Program, managed by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, offers up to $500 for Wisconsin students aged 21 or younger with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This scholarship supports enhanced learning and recreational experiences in Polk, St. Croix, or Pierce County. Applications are reviewed monthly without a hard deadline, as long as funds are available. This initiative honors the memory of Bethany Mazur, aiming to create lasting impacts through educational opportunities.

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS Active-Duty Military Traveling Fellowship supports early-career military orthopaedic trauma surgeons by providing immersive experiences in leading trauma centers. With a focus on education and mentorship, this fellowship enhances skills in advanced trauma care and fosters military-civilian collaboration. Funded by a generous $150,000 donation, it aims to empower surgeons through exposure to high-volume trauma systems, ultimately improving patient care in the orthopaedic trauma community.

The Tim Considine Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, offers two $1,250 scholarships for Torrington residents who are high school seniors or vocational technical students aiming for university admission. Preference is given to those involved in organized sports and faith-based activities, highlighting academic achievement and character through community service. This scholarship is non-need-based, ensuring accessibility for dedicated students.

The ASH-Roland B. Scott Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology, honors outstanding research on Sickle Cell Disease by a resident. This prestigious award includes a $16,000 honorarium, $2,000 for mentor research supplies, and $2,000 for travel to the annual meeting. It recognizes the legacy of Dr. Roland B. Scott, emphasizing the importance of innovative research in improving patient outcomes in hematology.

About American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. ASF offers fellowships, cultural grants, internships/training, publications, exhibitions and other public programs reinforcing the strong relationships between the two regions, honoring their shared values, and appreciating their differences.ASF Public Projects GrantThe American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. 

The Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program enhances rural healthcare access by establishing sustainable residency programs for physicians. Focused on training in accredited rural settings, the program addresses physician shortages by providing start-up funding for various medical specialties, including family medicine and psychiatry. This initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainability through stable funding sources like Medicare and Medicaid, ultimately preparing physicians to serve rural communities effectively.

The Martin, Lucas Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior male from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in soccer during their junior and senior years and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork. One reference letter must come from the head boys soccer coach, and financial need will be considered. The Foundation aims to support students seeking higher education.