Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Lenore Hirsch-Jay Falk Scholarship

The Lenore Hirsch-Jay Falk Scholarship benefits Napa County high school seniors that are graduating, and who have worked hard to overcome academic challenges. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college program in general education. Although not a requirement, applications are strongly encouraged from students who have learning disabilities and/or attend a continuation high school in Napa County. Previous recipients of the scholarship completing their first, second, or third year of college are also eligible.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Paul J. Falco Scholarship

The Paul J. Falco Scholarship provides a scholarship opportunity to high school level students from the Village of Marble Cliff who demonstrate outstanding scholastic and leadership qualities. The late Paul J. Falco, who served as Mayor of the Village for 36 years, was an ardent supporter of the Village, its residents, and the pursuit of life-long learning. The generosity of this endowment by Mayor Falco and his wife Bobbie Hall Falco provides the opportunity to recognize the talented youth of the Village of Marble Cliff. In its 20 years of existence the Paul J. Falco Scholarship Committee has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to residents of the Village of Marble Cliff.

Pike County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Pike County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Dr. and Mrs. William A. Weathers and Betty B. Wyatt Memorial Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Pike Central High School in memory of its former teacher, counselor and prin­cipal, Dr. William A. Weathers, his wife, and their friend Mrs. Betty B. Wyatt. Dr. William A. Weathers was born in Petersburg on October 14, 1912, and was a 1930 graduate of Petersburg High School and a 1934 graduate of Oakland City College. He spent his entire 42-year career in education at Peters­burg High School and Pike Central High School and was active in civic and community affairs. Dr. Weathers retired from education in 1977 but remained involved with Pike County youth until his death in December 1998. Betty B. Wyatt was a teacher for more than 40 years. She and Dr. Weathers worked together as educators for many years. They were both members of the Petersburg Main Street Presbyterian Church, and they were friends.

Award Amount

• $1,150

Renewal Details

May be renewable for a second year provided student maintains full-time enrollment.  Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

Gibson County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Sutch–Briner Memorial Scholarship

Annual scholarship created by Charles P. and Cathy J. Briner in loving memory of Pauline Hassel Briner Sutch, George Lester Sutch, and Jane McFetridge Sutch.

Award Amount

• $550

The Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program, administered by the Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, offers a competitive scholarship of $3,000 annually for up to four years for undergraduate studies. This initiative recognizes exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements among high school students. Scholarships are available to those attending accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. or Canada, though children of Cleveland-Cliffs officers are ineligible. The program aims to enhance educational opportunities and support community growth.

The Ron Chang Lee for Excellence in Classroom Technology award recognizes three TESOL members for their innovative use of technology in English Language Teaching. Established in 2018, the award offers prizes of $1000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Eligible candidates must be TESOL members with at least two years of classroom experience and have designed the materials used for this award. Applications from certain countries may be ineligible due to international regulations.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

The Holden Endowment Fund was established in 1997 upon the transfer of three trusts administered by Merchants National Bank of Aurora in the name of the couple.

The resulting fund provides income for the educational needs of Aurora students.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Barbara L. Manley ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education. 

Mid Shore Community FoundationMid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.Beverley A. Pattenden ScholarshipAwarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue careers as Physicians

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lauer Scholarship

The Lauer Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating seniors from a San Diego County public high school who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service or work experience and must describe how they plan to give back to their community during and after college
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have parents who have not received a college degree
• Have a demonstrated financial need

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lehman Family Scholarship

The Lehman Family Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating seniors from Lincoln, Morse or San Diego (downtown San Diego only) High Schools
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have a commitment to their community as demonstrated in their involvement in extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience or church activities
• Preference for foreign born children of immigrant parents

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Danielle Knell Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the life of DANIELLE K. KNELL by providing scholarship(s) for college bound students in Carroll County, Maryland who have shown academic achievement and participated in the Carroll County 4-H Horsemanship Programs and who have been accepted at an accredited College, University or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students i.e. those already in college from the Carroll County 4-H Horsemanship Programs who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Plan to pursue a career in health or the healthcare field
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a commitment to serving their community as demonstrated by their extra-curricular, work, church, or volunteer activities
• This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a focus on those furthest from opportunity and having a demonstrated financial need.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors who are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of members of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC)
  • Letter from the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC) on official letterhead verifying that you are a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a RESDC member is required.
• Plan to enroll full-time at a community college or four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be United States citizens

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) CMH

This scholarship was established to assist dependents of an active member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Columbus, Ohio Chapter.

Award Amount:

• $1,500

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering grants to schools across the US for the implementation of the PLTW Gateway program in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools, especially those serving low-income and minority populations. The grant covers participation fees and training costs, with a total award of $9,100, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to enhance their STEM education offerings.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Awardp

The purpose ofthe 4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Award is to honor the life of FRANKLIN ELLSWORTH FEESER by providing an award to youth who has participated in the Carroll County 4-H or FFA programs specializing and showing excellence in swine knowledge and skills and who meets the criteria established for this award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H HTI Contractors 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of the HTI CONTRACTORS 4-H SCHOLARSHIP is to provide scholarships to graduating seniors or students already in college from any Carroll County Public high school accepted or already enrolled at an accredited college or technical school who has participated in the Carroll County 4-H Program for at least three years and has exhibited livestock during that time. The scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female who meet the criteria established for the fund.

The NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds initiative aims to enhance U.S. leadership in quantum science and technology. By fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and diverse talent, this program seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of quantum technologies. It emphasizes translational research, education, and outreach, ensuring broad engagement across sectors. Proposals must follow established design and implementation deadlines to contribute effectively to the overarching goals of the National Quantum Initiative.

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.

The Twomey Family Scholarship, managed by The San Diego Foundation, supports current or former foster youth pursuing higher education. It aims to assist students attending community colleges, universities, or graduate schools in the U.S. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need and community commitment. Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded over $59.5 million to help students achieve their academic goals.

The Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance our understanding of atmospheric behaviors from the middle atmosphere to the exosphere. It supports research into coupling, energetics, and dynamics, particularly how lower atmospheric perturbations and solar inputs affect the upper atmosphere. The program encourages innovative approaches, including AI and machine learning, to advance observational and theoretical studies in this critical area of atmospheric science.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H John J. Mazur, Jr. Memorial 4-H Scholarship

The purpose of John J. Mazur, Jr. Memorial 4-H Scholarship is to provide scholarships for high-school graduates who have participated in Carroll County 4-H programs in livestock and photography.

William and Eleanor Cleveland Scholarship

The scholarship provides assistance to dependent children of members of Columbus Division of Fire.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

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.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Karen Macleod Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of Karen Macleod Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Karen Macleod by providing scholarships to graduating students in Carroll County who have participated in 4-H programs (sheep or horses) as outlined in the criteria.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Kelly Hale Memorial Award

This award is open to 4-H members in all Maryland Counties who are participants in the State Poultry Judging contest at the Maryland State fair. Kelly Hale, BA, MBA, CPA and her father Glenn Haines coached the Carroll County Poultry Judging Team for 17 years. She also attended the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Kentucky, when she was in 4-H. Kelly graduated from Francis Scott Key High School in 1998, Bridgewater College in 2002, and she received her Master’s Degree from Mt. St. Mary’s University. She was employed by Rager, Lehman & Houck, Carroll Hospital Center, and Legal & General America. She served on the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Community Media Center. Kelly died in 2014 leaving a husband and two young sons. This award is established in her honor.