Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Ruth M. Cogan Foundation Trust Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports students from Stark County, Ohio pursuing college education in music. This fund aims to help graduating seniors or current college students who demonstrate a passion for music and embody the spiritual qualities exemplified by Ruth. Since 1963, the Foundation has evolved from a grantmaker to a community leader, transforming lives through philanthropy.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

The Hyperoxaluria Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients suffering from hyperoxaluria, a condition characterized by excessive oxalate in urine. This fund assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, providing vital support for treatments. In 2024 alone, HealthWell allocated over $1.2 billion in grants, ensuring access to essential medications for those in need. The organization is committed to improving healthcare access and reducing disparities for affected individuals.

The Brennan Family Foundation, established in 1990 by Edward J. Brennan, aims to support charitable, educational, and religious institutions. With a mission to inspire youth development, the foundation provides financial assistance primarily to health care and educational organizations, religious entities, and the arts. Their strategic annual review process ensures that contributions effectively serve our most valuable resource—children. The foundation continues to honor Brennan's legacy of charitable responsibility.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Surayria T. Hasan Scholarship

Eligibility

Both need and merit will be considered in selecting applicants; Must be a minority student from Raleigh County, West Virginia; Pursuing either a masters in nursing degree, a nurse practitioner degree, or physician’s assistant degree at a West Virginia school, preferably in Raleigh County.

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is inviting media professionals from North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain to participate in the Awards for Excellence in Journalism. This prestigious competition features 14 categories, including Migration Journalism and Sustainability, to highlight significant contributions in journalism. Open to works published in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, the contest encourages broad participation. Winners will receive awards, with many categories offering prizes of US$2,000.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

David Bruce Belcher Fund

About the fund

The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.

The Tribal Personal Responsibility Education Program (Tribal PREP) aims to empower American Indian and Alaska Native youth aged 10-19, along with expectant and parenting youth under 21, by providing vital education on abstinence and contraception. This initiative promotes successful adulthood transitions through six key subjects, including financial literacy and healthy relationships. By implementing evidence-based strategies, the program seeks to change behaviors around sexual activity and pregnancy prevention, ensuring culturally relevant and age-appropriate information is shared.

The ANCA-Assoc Vasculitis and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Fund, established by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from this rare and serious condition. The fund assists with copays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment, ensuring that affected individuals have access to necessary medications. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded since 2004, the foundation has helped over 1.1 million patients access critical healthcare services.

About Us

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation.

SWCS Emerging Leaders Program Alumni Award

The Emerging Leader Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) who have demonstrated a commitment to conservation leadership and active participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Three $500 cash awards will be granted to support professional development, Society membership, conference fees, or other career-enhancing opportunities.

Erin Marie Masling Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship encourages students who have the potential and desire to pursue a post-secondary education despite the effects of an ongoing medical condition or illness.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; minimum award $500. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers Community Organizing Grants aimed at nonprofits and community groups led by people of color. These grants support community organizing efforts that enhance civic participation and empower marginalized communities. Proposals may include building organizational capacity, increasing awareness of social justice issues, and developing infrastructure in the Greater Hartford area. Grants range from $5,000 to $60,000 and are available for projects lasting up to one year.

The Mercer Vu Farms/Ron and Judy Hissong Scholarship for Agriculture Fund honors Ron Hissong, a dedicated dairy farmer. Established by his family, this scholarship supports students from the Tuscarora School District pursuing education in agriculture or related fields, ensuring they can continue Ron's legacy of community contribution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to agriculture, making this opportunity vital for aspiring agricultural professionals.

Hutsell, Alan Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior from Central Noble, East Noble, Wawasee, West Noble or homeschool (homeschooled student must live in Noble County) who will be pursuing advanced education in emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Awards Per Year:

• 1 scholarship

Applicant High School:

• Central Noble, East Noble, Homeschooled, Wawasee, West Noble

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Services, Emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is matriculating in a performing arts program, has demonstrated commitment to their art, and has demonstrated evidence of community involvement and service to others.

 Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

The Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing college degrees in nursing and health care fields to support their readiness to contribute to and grow within the Cherokee Nation reservation labor market. 

The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship offers up to four years of college tuition assistance for graduating seniors from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School, or ISPA. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick, this scholarship honors Jeannett's commitment to community service and education, supporting local high school graduates in their academic pursuits.

The Isabelle Rowe Nursing Scholarship supports non-traditional students aged 21 and older from the Fox Valley and Waupaca areas pursuing nursing degrees. Established in 2007 by Julian Rowe in honor of his wife, Isabelle, this fund provides non-renewable scholarships of $2,000 for 4-year colleges and $1,000 for 2-year institutions. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, have work experience in healthcare, and demonstrate financial need, with opportunities to reapply annually.

The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.

The Dr. Gary King Sharp Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Priority is given to those connected with Hospice services or in the foster care system, and to first-generation college students. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to empower students in their educational pursuits and enhance community life.

The Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established in 1963, supports Stark County residents or graduates from local high schools who are pursuing accredited health care programs. This fund aims to assist students who have completed at least one year of their program, with a preference for those entering their final year of study. By investing in local students, the fund contributes to the development of future health care professionals in Ohio.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Rogers and Meredith Scholarship (College) ($4,000) 

This renewable scholarship is available to students who have been residents of Epworth Children’s Home, Thornwell Home for Children or students who’ve been in custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. 

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

LinkScholars Program Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, or Sumter counties in South Carolina.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, established by the Dana Reeve Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by funding non-profit organizations. The Tier 4 Priority Impact Grants provide up to $50,000 for projects that facilitate employment and nursing home transitions, crucial for improving independence and community engagement for those living with paralysis. These grants support initiatives that ensure sustainable pathways towards gainful employment and help individuals return to their homes from nursing facilities.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Barbara Miller Meeker Art Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.