Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Russell F. Bruno Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who have excelled in the study of English and are planning to major in writing, literature, journalism or a related field.

The FY26 Arthritis Research Program Clinical Research Award supports innovative clinical research addressing factors and interventions for arthritis. This program encourages proposals focusing on Prevention and Early Diagnosis or Treatment and Mitigation of Disease Progression. Applicants can choose between two research levels, with the requirement of a community collaborator for Research Level 2. Projects should aim to provide actionable evidence to enhance patient care and outcomes, making significant contributions to the field of arthritis research.

The DoW Arthritis Translational Research Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to support high-impact translational research focused on accelerating findings into clinically relevant solutions for arthritis. This award is intended for preclinical or animal research, emphasizing the significance of the proposed outcomes in advancing arthritis research and benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Applications must include preliminary or published data to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the research.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.

Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.

Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship

Each year, the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation awards the Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship to three students who live in Lincoln County, are pursuing a degree in nursing and who intend to practice in the community when they graduate. Up to $3,000 is awarded to each student and students who receive the scholarship are eligible to apply for a second year.

The scholarship is awarded in honor of Bill and Olga Gribler, Newport residents since 1947. Bill taught music, providing entertainment throughout the community, and Olga worked for the phone company and later the Bank of Newport. They established this generous scholarship to help address the ongoing need for quality nurses in the region.

Purpose

The intent of this scholarship is to assist a resident from Lincoln County, Oregon:

• To secure training in order to enter or re-enter the field of nursing.
• Who is pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse.
• Who needs training to improve working skills.
• Who has obligations in addition to those of providing for their education

The Patient Directed Investigation Grant by the Dermatology Foundation supports translational studies aimed at improving patient care in various dermatological fields. With an annual funding of $25,000, it fosters the career development of early-stage clinical investigators. Eligible applicants include those who have completed U.S. dermatology residency training and are not funded by other sources. The grant encourages diverse applicants, particularly from minority backgrounds, to contribute to vital health issues affecting underserved populations.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

Mission

The Mission of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is to improve quality of life in the community by nurturing opportunities and serving needs through collaboration and philanthropy.

Vision

The Envisioned Future of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is that Muskingum County’s quality of life attracts organizations and people to pursue their dreams and practice their passions.

A. Porter Spirit of ZHS Fund

A long time teacher at Zanesville High School. As a new teacher ZHS embraced her and she embraced the Blue Devils. Annette Porter is a first generation college graduate from a single parent home. While her parents supported her decision to go to college, it was necessary to incur personal debt which was and is common. This scholarship is available to help those students who may need a little financial help to take the first step toward college, and also make the collegiate experience less burdensome.

Becoming a Blue Devil was a process. Annette had a lot of help along the way, from Principals, Asst Principals, teaching peers, friends and family, so in an effort to pay it forward she has created this scholarship. “ Everyone of my students had potential, the most difficult thing was to convince them to work toward achieving it”. This scholarship will be awarded to a Blue Devil, not necessarily the most “spirited” but the Best Blue Devil who demonstrated all of the qualities that make up a Blue Devil.

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission is inviting research proposals aimed at apple crop protection, emphasizing organic practices and pollinator protection. Key areas of focus include the management of pests like Codling Moth and Fire Blight, testing new crop protection products, enhancing soil health, and developing efficient monitoring techniques. Collaboration among institutions is encouraged, and projects should aim for practical industry applications to ensure sustainable and profitable tree fruit production.

Across the United States, small and micro businesses (SMBs) play a critical role in driving economic opportunity, job creation, and community prosperity. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges accessing the training, resources, and support needed to grow and remain competitive in an evolving economy. To help address these needs, Visa Foundation is committing $2M to launch an open-call grant program that will support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) that provide direct services to SMBs. Through this program, Visa Foundation aims to strengthen the capacity of high-impact organizations that help small businesses build greater resilience, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to thriving local economies. 

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

The Dr. Bachman Memorial Scholarship Fund celebrates the life of Dr. Richard Wayne Bachman, DVM, a distinguished veterinarian and beloved mentor. Affectionately known as “Dr. B” by colleagues and “Ricky” to friends, his commitment to animal welfare extended beyond his role as Lead Veterinarian at Napa Humane. He was notably involved in their weekend Wellness Clinics, serving the underserved, low-income, Spanish speaking community. Dr. Bachman was also deeply invested in the education of future veterinarians and vet technicians. This fund reflects his dedication to animal health, community service, and the nurturing of upcoming veterinary professionals.

The Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund is made possible by Napa Humane and benefits current or former residents of Napa County, Solano County, or Lake County. This scholarship is geared towards veterinary students who are committed to practicing companion animal veterinary medicine and plan to give back to their community after graduation. Recipients must attend an accredited veterinary college or veterinary technology program and will receive funding for up to two years while working to complete their degree.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund

The Muzzie Wood Scholarship was established in loving memory of Muzzie by her family after she passed away on March 16, 2001. In 2010, the name of the fund changed to the Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund and its support of Battle Creek area students expanded. Muzzie enjoyed spending time with her husband, Woody, their three daughters, stepson, and eight grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, remodeling, fishing, and turkey and duck hunting. Her husband laughingly recalls a time she wore her sneakers in the river, knee-deep, and caught a salmon bare handed! Muzzie always had a smile on her face and gave more than she received. Woody, enjoys an active and blessed life rarely missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Y Center of Battle Creek and spending time with family and friends, This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors within Calhoun County who are members of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. If there are no eligible members, members of a Christian-based church may also be considered.

The American Parkinson Disease Association offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships to support research focused on Parkinson's disease. These fellowships, lasting two years, provide up to $75,000 per year to eligible post-doctoral trainees at U.S. institutions. Applicants must have completed their MD, PhD, or residency within two years prior to the award. Funding can cover direct research costs, but not travel or publication expenses over $1,000, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for impactful research.

Retina Research Foundation

Across the nation, there were only a handful of voluntary groups with the will and the means to tackle retinal disdorders. Retina Research Foundation, established in 1969, was one of those organizations. By the 1980s, RRF had become a voice for retina research in an effort to reduce the incidence of retinal disease, which was fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in developing countries.

Undaunted, the Foundation steadily raised funds each year for vision scientists who were nationally recognized for their work in retina research. Government funding for eye research increased dramatically, and the field of retina research matured. As this body of knowledge grew, RRF programs were expanded to include major awards that recognize established retina scientists and contribute to their ongoing research. The Foundation also developed scientific exchange programs to disseminate knowledge of the dramatic advances that were being made in the laboratory.

RRF Pilot Study Grants

The mission of the Retina Research Foundation is to reduce retinal blindness worldwide by funding programs in research and education. As a public charity, RRF raises funds from the private sector and the investment of its endowment funds.

RRF is currently welcoming pilot study grant applications for the 2027 grant period. Each grant application must be signed by the principal investigator and either their Department Chair or Dean of Research.

About

What is FOXG1 Syndrome?

FOXG1 syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the FOXG1 gene. FOXG1 gene is one of the first and most important genes for early brain development and when impaired, causes developmental disabilities as well as medical complexities, including epilepsy.

Every child born with FOXG1 syndrome is unique as FOXG1 manifests as a spectrum where symptoms and severity vary between individuals. Our patient data shows characteristics of children with FOXG1 syndrome include: non-speaking, non-ambulatory, experience seizures, feeding problems, cortical vision impairment, movement disorders, and developmental delays. Less-severely-affected FOXG1 children often present with (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder as FOXG1 is an autism related gene. FOXG1 syndrome is found equally among both females and males and is geographically more prevalent where diagnostic testing is more advanced. 

Our Story & Mission

When our children were diagnosed with FOXG1 syndrome, we were told there was nothing we could do. No treatments, no concerted research underway, no roadmap. Just a devastating diagnosis for a disorder few had ever heard of.

But we refused to accept that. 

Research Assets & Grants

FOXG1 Scientific Research Project Grants

The FOXG1 Research Foundation is providing grants to scientists to deepen the understanding of the biology of FOXG1 with the goal of identifying innovative therapeutic strategies and finding a cure.

For the next few years, these are the strategic focus areas:

• Experiments designed to understand when, where, and levels of FOXG1 needed for normal brain development in mice
• Experiments designed to understand the biophysical properties of FOXG1 mutations
• Experiments designed to gain insights into the molecular and cell biological pathways regulated by FOXG1  

The HIP Medical Student Award by the American Society of Hematology supports underrepresented medical students in hematology research. Participants gain mentorship, a stipend up to $32,000, and valuable exposure to hematology practices. The program offers summer, flexible, and yearlong project options to accommodate students at different stages of their medical education. This initiative aims to foster diversity in the field and encourage long-term involvement in hematology.

The Graduate Professional Advancement Grant at Montana State University provides funding for graduate students in their 3rd semester or higher to present at professional conferences. This grant encourages scholarly research and supports students by covering travel costs, up to $750. Applications are reviewed monthly on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding is limited based on availability. Students must be in good standing and have their committee on file to be eligible.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks to enhance the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment through its UH3 funding mechanism. This initiative supports multi-disciplinary collaborations to validate existing assays over three years using clinical trial specimens. Emphasis is placed on harmonizing laboratory tests and validating pharmacodynamic markers. Projects should not focus on early-stage technology development but aim for integration into clinical studies as investigational assays.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of molecular, cellular, and imaging markers for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity supports both analytical and clinical validation phases, emphasizing multi-disciplinary collaboration. The UH2 phase focuses on analytical validation, while the UH3 phase extends to clinical validation using well-annotated biospecimens. Proposals should justify the relevance of assays for clinical use and may include harmonization efforts across laboratories.

The AGA Abstract Award for Health Disparities Research provides a $500 travel grant for graduate students, medical students, residents, clinical fellows, and postdoctoral fellows who present research on health disparities at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). This award aims to enhance interest in gastroenterology research and improve access to care for underserved populations. It recognizes outstanding abstracts accepted by AGA, fostering future careers in digestive disease research among young professionals.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship

The Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship Fund has been established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area public and private high school graduating seniors and graduates, pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, who have accepted to or are enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college or university, technical or trade school. Preference will be given to graduating seniors.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

The Beattie Family Foundation offers educational scholarships aimed primarily at medical and nursing students facing financial challenges. These scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, support individuals currently enrolled in accredited institutions who demonstrate strong academic capabilities. Additionally, limited funds are available for vocational or trade school tuition for those aspiring to enter skilled labor professions. The foundation prioritizes applicants based on financial need and academic performance.

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Greater Evansville USBCA Scholarship, established by the Greater Evansville USBCA, supports students from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties who engage in community service and bowling activities. Eligible applicants must have been members of the USBCA for two of the past four years or be children of members with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The selection process considers academic performance, bowling involvement, community service, and submitted essays and recommendations.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Paul M. Kara, who established the Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors or adult/returning students with significant financial need. It is designed to help students with the "last dollars" needed to continue their education. Paul and Libby believe that every student should be able to achieve their educational goals.