Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Fauquier County Chamber Of Commerce Max Tufts, Sr. Memorial

This scholarship was created in memory of Maximilian A. Tufts Sr. who was an energetic community volunteer. He was committed to many organizations including the Fauquier County Chamber of Commerce, Highland School, Fauquier Community Action Committee, Fauquier Human Relation Committee, Warrenton Rescue Squad, the Meadows Outdoors Foundation and the Airlie Foundation. Eligible students should be college or university bound graduating seniors from any Fauquier County public or private high school. Scholarship recipients should demonstrate involvement in both school and community. 

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. 

VCA Charities offers the Ready for Rescue Grants to support animal welfare organizations in preparing pets for adoption. With a maximum award of $10,000, this program focuses on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of companion animals through various activities, including enrichment and training. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare, adopting out at least 500 pets annually. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines approaching soon.

Benjamin H. Van Andel Promise of Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and supports exceptionally talented students in any field who exhibit the gifts and passion to be world class leaders, performers, or artists in their area of giftedness.

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.

The G. Ernest and Bernadine Rightley Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Marshall County schools. This scholarship is designed for local residents who are entering their first year of study at an accredited college or university. The foundation is committed to fostering philanthropy and providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education, thereby investing in the future of the community.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch Scholarship

Recipients of this award receive mentorship from members of the AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch and are required to maintain communication with their mentor throughout the year. This scholarship is renewable for 4 or more years if the required criteria is met.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

ACF Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship supports current or former foster care youth and first generation students in Arizona. 

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Andrews and Esser Scholarship

This scholarship was set up in memory of Marvin A. Andrews and Charles A. Esser. In addition to the monetary award, the Andrews and Esser Scholarship recipient will be given the opportunity for a paid internship stipend. The Andrews Scholarship/Internship is open to a part-time Masters of Public Administration student who is currently working in local government. Scholarship is not renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Dr. Robert Bokat Humanitarian Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Humanities/Education/Medical. The committee's decision is based heavily on volunteerism. 

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices. Two character references.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Silver Star Chapter #93 Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. The organization’s membership is comprised of women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. Silver Star Chapter #93 established this scholarship as a means of fulfilling the mission of the organization to support the local community and benefit fellow mankind.

The DAV Charitable Service Trust provides essential support to empower veterans in leading dignified lives. This private funder focuses on rehabilitation programs, mobility enhancements for veterans with disabilities, and assistance for aging and homeless veterans. Additionally, it addresses the needs of veterans affected by recent conflicts and supports their caregivers and families. Grants are available to eligible organizations recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt, ensuring that the trust's mission effectively reaches those who have served.

The J. Leeds Barroll Dissertation Prize, awarded by the Shakespeare Association of America, honors exemplary doctoral work with a significant focus on Shakespeare. This prestigious award is conferred annually during the SAA’s Annual Luncheon. To be eligible, applicants must be SAA members in good standing, and dissertations must be approved between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. This prize encourages innovative research and scholarship in Shakespeare studies.

The SAA First Book Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors the legacy of Jerome Singerman and supports early career scholars. This prestigious award recognizes the best monograph with a significant Shakespeare component, published as the first book by a current SAA member between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. The award will be announced during the SAA’s Annual Luncheon, celebrating contributions to Shakespeare studies.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Desert Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship was created in order to help those who have encountered and overcome some sort of personal challenge or adversity.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Sarah Scaife Foundation Grant supports public policy initiatives that tackle significant domestic and international challenges. This grant is intended for publicly-supported non-profit organizations and does not extend to individuals or national fundraising groups. Proposals related to event sponsorships, capital campaigns, or organizations reliant on government funding are typically declined. The focus remains on impactful projects that align with the Foundation's mission.

The King-Rockwell Scholarship Renewal aims to address the diverse needs of the community through innovative funding solutions. This private foundation is dedicated to holistic support in education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness. Eligible applicants are those who have previously received the King-Rockwell Scholarship, ensuring continuity in nurturing talent and community engagement. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Montana Circle K - Key Club Renewal Scholarship Program, supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, recognizes and aids Circle K members who have previously earned a scholarship and excelled academically in college. This program emphasizes the importance of leadership, community service, and continued academic achievement, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students who contribute positively to their communities.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Terry & Wanda Wood Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Work ethic and ambition, desire to pursue a trade, and financial need

Required materials: 

• Essay of up to 250 words describing the applicant’s career path plans, 
• 2 letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors, and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $7,500 | 1 scholarship

Joseph A. Catrambone Trade & Vocational Scholarship

Anyone pursuing a degree or certification in a trade or vocation.

Award:

• Full need is taken into account – awards amounts are based on need.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: The George L. Butler Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County or Fort Bragg area.