Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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

Peter J. & Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Barbara Kutches, who established the Peter J. and Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Pete and Barbara Kutches are well known figures in the Muskegon area, even though they both grew up in Escanaba. Pete was a coach in the area stretching over 4 decades at Muskegon High School, Muskegon Catholic Central, and finally Reeths-Puffer before retiring in the late 1990's. He was best known as a football coaching winning state championships as a head coach at MCC and R-P, the only coach in the state of Michigan to do so. Barbara was a nurse for several years at Mercy Hospital, serving as a time as the director of nursing. They shared 62 years of marriage, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 15 greatgrandchildren. Pete was the 10th of 13 kids in his family and the only one to go on to get a college degree because of a scholarship he was awarded. Because of this, Pete and Barbara both felt stongly that they wanted to provide that opportuntity to area youth, specifically in the areas which they felt rewarded by in their careers - education and nursing. 

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

Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy McCarthy, who established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rich McCarthy knew what matters most in life. His philosophy was: "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove or what kind of clothes I wore. All that will matter is that I made a difference in the life of a child." His family members, who have established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship in his memory, say he far surpassed his goal affecting the lives of scores of young people. The teaching veteran and coach had a rich career at Oakridge as well as several other area schools. Although he struggled with severe health problems for many years he is remembered by wife Nancy as "always smiling; his greatest joy was making people laugh." The scholarship will benefit students of Oakridge Schools.

The SOT Science Policy Leadership Award honors elected officials who advocate for scientific research that protects health and the environment. By recognizing individuals who support public policy that advances safety for people and animals, this award promotes the importance of science in decision-making processes. The Society of Toxicology aims to highlight the contributions of leaders in science policy, encouraging further advancements in health and safety research while fostering a collaborative relationship between science and government.

The TidePointe Community Educational Scholarship, established by the residents of TidePointe, supports employees and their dependents pursuing secondary or post-secondary education. This initiative reflects the community's generosity and commitment to academic achievement. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, work at least 12 hours a week at TidePointe, and have maintained good employment records. This scholarship empowers individuals to achieve their educational ambitions, fostering growth and opportunity within the Lowcountry community.

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

Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell, who established the Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Clara is from Muskegon and her husband Bob is from East Detroit. Clara went to Muskegon Community College where she earned her Nursing degree. The Harrell's believe that education is vital and is the gateway to students becoming what they dream they can be. This scholarship is for graduating seniors of any Muskegon County High School.

The Jim and Marge Krum Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, aims to support outstanding high school seniors from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton who demonstrate academic excellence and significant community service. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this scholarship fosters a lifelong commitment to community leadership among recipients, ensuring they remain connected through their shared dedication to service. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited college or university.

The Mina Larson and Mandas S. Mulrain Scholarship, established in 2005 by Mr. Sam Mulrain, honors the legacy of his wife, Mina Larson Mulrain. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from southern Beaufort County who exhibit exceptional determination in their academic pursuits. With a focus on financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0, it empowers deserving students to achieve their post-secondary educational goals, fostering leadership and community engagement.

The Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship, established in 2015 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, or Beaufort Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing financial need and academic determination. The foundation has invested over $125 million in the Lowcountry since its inception, striving to enhance community well-being through philanthropic leadership.

The Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship, established in 2021 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Dwon Fields, Jr. This scholarship supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, who demonstrate kindness and compassion. By fostering educational opportunities, this fund aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities, reflecting the values exemplified by D.J. throughout his life.

The Joyce H. Power Scholarship Endowment, established in December 2022 by Joyce H. Power, supports Southern Beaufort County residents pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is aimed at students who have experienced the loss of a parent and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in the region.

The Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 1995, aims to provide annual post-secondary educational scholarships for students in southern Beaufort County. It supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate a commitment to sound financial principles. This scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also encourages students to develop financial self-sufficiency, ultimately empowering them to positively impact their community.

The Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports graduating seniors from Beaufort County, SC, aiming for post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate extracurricular involvement beyond golf, and write an essay on how golf has shaped their personal growth. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for youth impacted by the game of golf, positively influencing their futures.

The Beaufort County Law Enforcement Educational Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors in Beaufort County pursuing higher education. This scholarship benefits children of current or former law enforcement personnel, promoting academic achievement with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Since its inception, it has aimed to empower students to succeed and contribute positively to their communities, reflecting the foundation's mission of community connection and support.

The African-American Community Foundation - Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship, established in 2006 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school African-American students from Montgomery County. It provides scholarships to those planning to attend a four-year post-secondary institution full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and achieve at least a 21 on the ACT or its SAT equivalent, while also demonstrating financial need.

The African-American Community Foundation's Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship for Community Excellence, established in 2013 by The Dayton Foundation, supports minority students from Clark and Montgomery Counties pursuing degrees in social work, political science, counseling, psychology, or addiction treatment. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy, focusing on education, health, arts, and urgent regional needs. This scholarship reflects its commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and community service.

The African-American Community Foundation - Charles and Pat Meadows Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, supports underrepresented students from Dayton Public, Jefferson Township, or Trotwood Public Schools. This scholarship aims to honor Charles Meadows' belief in education as a pathway to success. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, accepted to an accredited college, demonstrate financial need, and show participation in extracurricular activities. It fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Adam Broock Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, honors the memory of Adam Broock, a compassionate Oakwood High School graduate. This scholarship supports college students from Montgomery County, Ohio, who demonstrate financial need and academic success. The Dayton Foundation, founded in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic services and strategic grantmaking, focusing on workforce development and equitable opportunities.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Ella & Irene Cunningham Scholarship, established in 1995, provides financial support to students residing within Dunkirk, IN, particularly those pursuing higher education in business or education. Preference is given to female applicants. The fund transitioned to The Portland Foundation in 2023, following the merger with The Dunkirk Foundation, continuing its mission to empower local students through educational opportunities and promote community growth.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Dr. H. L. Shroyer Christian Love Scholarship, established in 1970, provides scholarships to high school graduates from Jay County and nearby areas who exemplify Christ’s love in their daily lives. The scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate strong moral character and faith through an essay on the significance of Christ’s love. This fund was transferred to the Portland Foundation in 2023, enhancing its mission to foster community growth and opportunity.

The Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Grace Sulak and aims to support high school seniors from Bluffton, May River, or Hilton Head Island High Schools. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate involvement in athletics and community service. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.

Drew Bilinski Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $500.

The Pride in the Hills Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, offers a one-time award to graduating high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative, part of the Foundation's commitment to support local students, reflects over a century of dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region. With generous donor support, this scholarship aims to help students achieve their college dreams.

The H. D. Segur and Friends Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award for graduating high school students entering college. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1923, the Foundation is dedicated to addressing community issues and fostering equitable outcomes for local residents.

Delaware Fine Arts Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $5,000. Students may reapply each year. 

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The Wilmington Country Club Centennial Scholarship, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $2,000. This scholarship is aimed at current or former employees of SoDel Concepts in Sussex County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution. In 2024-2025, the DCF awarded a record $850,000 in scholarships to support students' educational pursuits, promoting equity and opportunity in Delaware.