Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

General Operating Grants Applications 2026 Guide

Background

The Literary Arts Fund was established in 2025 to dramatically increase funding for and the visibility of the nonprofit literary arts field toward ensuring a healthy and more robust U.S. literary culture in support of creative writers. The fund will award at least $10 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field in each of the next five years, concluding in 2031. The first open call is for 2026 general operating grant applications.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

The Michael Aurbach Fellowship for Excellence in Visual Art, awarded by the College Art Association, supports artist members with an MFA or equivalent who teach studio classes. This fellowship provides a $7,500 award and conference registration to a qualifying artist, focusing on their artistic work rather than a proposal. It aims to recognize and empower visual arts professionals in academia.

The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation Teen Tech Competition offers grants to schools and organizations to promote creativity and problem-solving among teens. Participants can engage in various tech categories such as AI, robotics, and game development. The competition includes phases for ideation, development, and final presentations. With support from sponsors, prizes include tech gadgets and scholarships. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration among youth in a structured and supportive environment.

The Glenn W. Bailey STEM Scholars Grant supports colleges and universities in expanding STEM programs for post-secondary students. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with no set deadlines. Grants, capped at $25,000, aim to enhance educational experiences through various initiatives, including workshops, research funding, and student organizations. This program encourages innovative approaches to STEM education, making it accessible to a diverse range of students across the United States. For more details, visit the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Resident Research Project Grant, offered by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, provides crucial funding for orthopaedic surgery residents in ACGME-accredited programs across the U.S. This grant supports innovative research initiatives, enhancing the educational and professional development of residents. Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit and private educational institutions, ensuring a wide reach for impactful research. With a limit of one submission per individual annually, this grant fosters focused research contributions in the orthopaedic field.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for the Collections Stewardship program, which aims to enhance the preservation and accessibility of essential physical and digital collections. This initiative supports projects related to conservation, digitization, and education in collections stewardship, fostering engagement in the humanities through improved resources and services.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

The Meruelo Family Scholarship

The Meruelo Family Scholarship was established to provide support for dependents of Grand Sierra Resort & Casino and SAHARA Las Vegas team members who are a graduating high school senior or who are enrolled in a college or advanced learning program.

The qualifying Team Member must be a full-time employee at a qualifying property, have a minimum of one (1) year of employment, and be in good standing with the company at the time of application.

A total of $40,000 will be awarded annually; $20,000 for dependents of Grand Sierra Resort & Casino team members and $20,000 for dependents of SAHARA Las Vegas team members. Five (5) awards in the amount of $3,000 and one (1) Diamond Scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded by each property. Funds will be distributed to any college or university for the student's benefit upon confirmation of enrollment and upon completing and signing a scholarship acceptance agreement. This scholarship is a one-time award but is renewable with reapplication.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Orville Belding Memorial Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for the Orville Belding Memorial Scholarship if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are a student-athlete
• You were born and raised in Nevada
• Your family income shows a need for tuition assistance
• You are a Washoe County High School senior
• You have a minimum 1100/SAT or 20/ACT score
• You agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving a scholarship

Warrior Assist Foundation

Founded in 2020, Warrior Assist Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces and their families.

Grants

Warrior Assist Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that dedicate at least 85% of their annual expenditures to provide assistance to active duty and reserve military personnel, their spouses and children, veterans, or spouses and children of veterans.

IBEW/Charles Sandberg Scholarship

To provide financial support to family members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 426.

The Justin J. Watt Foundation Grant supports after-school athletic opportunities for middle school children, focusing on programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Applications are accepted at specific times throughout the year, depending on the sport. Funding is available for essential uniforms and equipment but excludes non-essential items. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring they serve students in need and provide safe environments for athletic activities.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Award for Team Innovation

Purpose

To highlight the value and importance of technical teams and teamwork to the chemical and allied industries by recognizing a multidisciplinary team for successfully moving an innovative idea to a product in commercial use now.

The award was established in 1994 with financial support from the Committee on Corporation Associates of the American Chemical Society.

Description

The award will consist of a cash award of $6,000 which will be shared equally by all team members. Each team member will receive a certificate and a certificate will also be provided to the employers of the team.

Elaine Lonneman Scholarship

To provide financial support to family members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 426.

Chris & Gene Smith "Get and Education" Memorial

To provide financial support to graduates who reside in Hand County.

Chris and Gene were born and raised in Hand County. They encouraged their children with what could be referred to as their family motto, “get an education” as that is something that cannot be taken away from you. As a result, all their children and grandchildren have received post-secondary educations.

City of Chicago's UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship

The City of Chicago's UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship will provide a one-time, merit-based scholarship of $5,000 for students of any classification who have a parent or guardian employed by the City of Chicago and its affiliate agencies. Students must be enrolled full time at any U.S. four-year, accredited college or university in the 2026-2027 school year.

The City of Chicago’s UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship was created in partnership with the City of Chicago and UNCF to ensure that dependents of City of Chicago employees can earn a college degree.

This merit-based scholarship is open to full-time, four-year university students of any classification who have a parent or guardian employed by the City of Chicago and its affiliate agencies.

The Eugene and Nadine Stegelmeyer Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, supports students pursuing post-secondary and graduate studies in teaching and geriatrics. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors from Washoe County High Schools or those enrolled in relevant programs at accredited institutions. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of tuition costs while encouraging academic excellence and dedication to the fields of education and geriatrics.

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

HLP Hamakua Community Foundation: Annual College Scholarship

Taka Domingo was a lifetime resident of the Hamakua and founding board member of the HLP Hamakua Community Foundation. He was born in Kukuihaele and attended Honoka'a High School. After working for 30 years at Hamakua Sugar Company as an electrician, he embarked on a career in public service representing Hamakua on the Hawaii County Council for the 20 years. This vocational scholarship is being offered in his honor.

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. An annual scholarship is awarded to encourage students that graduate from Honoka'a High School or students who live in the Hamakua District to further their education upon graduation.

Individual award amount:

• $2,000.00. Scholarships will be awarded upon proof of enrollment and must be claimed by November 1, of the year the scholarship is awarded.
• Applications are available at your school counselor’s office or online.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno and Gloria Quilici Scholarship

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for other scholarships based on GPA but demonstrates commitment, passion, and drive.

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who are graduating seniors and Churchill residents, and may think college is out of reach, but who show potential, have drive, and are likely to succeed. Students must agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and stay enrolled full-time.

Gould Medical Group

Open to local college students from Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties pursuing healthcare careers, particularly those entering medical school.

The scholarship amount is $10,000. Up to five (5) students will be awarded.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors of northern Nevada high schools.

Early Talent Opportunity Program

The UNCF Early Talent Opportunity Program (ETOP) is a summer experience comprised of workshops and individual sessions designed to offer customized support for undergraduate college students who are interested in securing a valuable internship experience.

The UNCF Early Talent Opportunity Program (ETOP) is a FREE summer experience comprised of a series of workshops and individual career coaching designed to offer personalized support for rising college sophomores and juniors who are interested in securing an internship for the following summer. Over 5 weeks, students participate in 1 hour 15-minute virtual workshops designed to take a deeper dive into specific topics for career development and student success. 

The Diana Jo Dreyer Memorial Scholarship, established by INDATEL Services LLC and the family of Diana Jo Dreyer, supports female students pursuing a business degree. This scholarship honors Diana's impactful career in telecommunications and her dedication to empowering women in the industry. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, U.S. citizens, sponsored by an NTCA member, and interested in returning to rural communities after graduation. This initiative enriches the lives of young women in rural America.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

John R Stockman Scholarship

The John R. Stockman Scholarship was created to provide a life-advancement opportunity to an ambitious, driven young person who may require financial assistance to achieve higher education.