Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The SESOT Fall Meeting Abstract Submission Award invites submissions for poster or platform presentations at the October 10, 2025 Fall SESOT Meeting in Clemson. Eligible participants include undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees who are SESOT members. Awards will be presented for the best presentations at the SESOT Reception during the SOT Meeting in March. New investigators may present but are not eligible for awards.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

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

Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the family of John E. Craig, Jr. and Larry William Craig. Both John and Larry were extremely gifted musicians. John was a noted musician in the central Ohio community, studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of his death. A well-known musician and businessman, Larry excelled at playing the piano and worked with his father in Craig & Sons Wrecking Company. This scholarship fund will provide support to students who are pursuing careers in musical arts, theatre or drama.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Trail Grants

RTC’s Trail Grants are building strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation—investing in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country.  

Our grants support organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership, engagement and long-term impact.  

Since 2008, RTC has provided over $3.7 million in grant funding to more than 280 organizations seeking to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails, building vibrant trail networks that connect neighborhoods and regions, and make it possible for America to walk, bike and be active outside.

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Aftercare Program aims to support American Indian and Alaska Native youth in maintaining safety, sobriety, and success post-discharge from Youth Regional Treatment Centers. This initiative enhances culturally relevant, community-based aftercare by fostering care coordination, building partnerships, and addressing barriers to improve youth outcomes.

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

The Frances Parker Rupert Memorial Fund for Music and the Performing Arts provides scholarships to talented students pursuing music or performing arts degrees. Established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this fund aims to support high school seniors from specific counties, considering their potential and financial need. Applicants must demonstrate their artistic abilities and articulate how this scholarship will aid their educational goals in a two-page essay.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Program aims to enhance the nutrition and overall health of mothers and children. This initiative focuses on interdisciplinary graduate education, equipping a skilled workforce to support Title V and other MCH programs. It seeks to expand nutrition education and career pathways while improving access to quality nutrition services. Trainees will gain practical experience through placements at health centers, ultimately benefiting families and communities.

The Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship, established in 2022 by Mary V. Insall, honors her sister, a dedicated emergency nurse. With a generous $50,000 donation, this scholarship supports emergency nurses pursuing graduate studies. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students in nursing research. This scholarship aims to foster leadership in nursing and improve emergency care, ultimately saving lives and supporting families.

The State Maternal Health Innovation Program (SMHI) aims to enhance maternal health across states by addressing critical gaps. It focuses on improving service quality, developing a skilled workforce, and utilizing enhanced data capabilities. Through innovative programming, the initiative strives to significantly reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their families.

DREAMS Grant Program

DREAMS For Duchenne

Launched in 2023, Entrada DREAMS is a competitive annual grant program designed to fund efforts within the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community to better identify, understand and reach those who are currently underrepresented and underserved.

DREAMS and Belonging

Entrada is building a company culture where everyone can belong, contribute and grow. In the same way, we are committed to working toward a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive. Entrada DREAMS is part of our commitment to support Duchenne-focused non-profit organizations in their efforts to address disparities in healthcare and to better serve all people living with Duchenne.

DREAMS and Impact

DREAMS has funded transformative projects that bridge healthcare disparities and strengthen community connections. Keep reading to learn more about past recipients and their projects.

This year, two nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD grant to fund projects that advance equity, accessibility and inclusion for individuals with Duchenne. Entrada will award one grant to a U.S.-based nonprofit and another to a nonprofit in the UK or EU.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to health and physical education, ensuring these fields remain central to educational programs. This prestigious award honors dedicated professionals, including educators and leaders, who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in promoting physical activity, health education, and related disciplines. Through their efforts, they enhance the quality of education and the well-being of students across the nation.

The Cameron Pepera Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Pepera family in memory of their son, aims to support local high school seniors from St. Charles North and East High Schools. This scholarship, typically valued at $1,000, is designed for students demonstrating financial need and active participation in extracurricular activities. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, it reflects a commitment to enhancing the community's future by empowering its youth.

The Lawrence F. and Barbara J. Dickman Scholarship supports Zeeland High School graduates pursuing higher education in the U.S. on a medical track. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and can reapply if they have received the award previously. Recommendations from teachers or counselors are required. Scholarships are usable starting in the fall of the announcement year and unaccepted scholarships will be forfeited after December 31. This scholarship aims to foster future healthcare professionals.

Tree and Soil Research Fund Grant Program

The TREE Fund Board of Trustees is launching the new Tree and Soil Research Grant, made possible by a permanently restricted endowment fund supporting areas of research of interest to the landscape architecture community with special focus in the area of trees and the soils that support them. Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years, with a maximum award value of $10,000. No project may receive more than one award from this program. This grant will be offered every other year beginning in 2021.

Award amount:

• up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000) 

The George Family Foundation's Youth Development Grant aims to empower youth from under-resourced communities by supporting initiatives that foster personal growth, educational enrichment, and workplace learning. By encouraging diverse interactions and community service, the foundation seeks to provide young people with the tools to thrive and positively impact their communities. Although unsolicited proposals are not accepted, Letters of Inquiry are welcomed during specific review periods.

The David B. Perry Endowment Fund, established by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, honors a dedicated community member by providing scholarships to local students. With awards typically around $1,000, this fund supports educational aspirations for residents of Kaneville and surrounding areas. It reflects the legacy of David B. Perry, who was committed to preserving his community's heritage and fostering youth engagement in philanthropy.

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.

Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. Scholarship Fund

In 1988, Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. of Aurora created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation for area students.

Scholarships from this fund are awarded in recognition of high scholastic achievement, participation in school activities and leadership potential.

These awards are reserved for students whose parents are actively involved in the roofing trade or construction industry.

Through the generosity and commitment of this civic-minded company, many students have received needed assistance for their college educations.

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) aims to enhance maternal and child health, promote early childhood development, and support family well-being. By providing voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant women and families with young children, the program addresses critical needs in communities. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), MIECHV empowers families through tailored support and resources, fostering healthier outcomes for mothers and their children.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

The Manning Family Foundation offers Health and Life Sciences Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at finding effective treatments and cures for diseases like diabetes and macular degeneration. Since 2003, they have funded 501(c)(3) nonprofits that contribute to these fields, emphasizing entrepreneurialism and impactful research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards given three times a year, fostering advancements in health and community well-being.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by addressing healthcare disparities related to non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America and among U.S. Hispanic populations. It encourages innovative, interdisciplinary research teams to develop and implement clinical and community-based interventions. Key partnerships with institutions in Latin America are essential for collaboration. Deadlines for applications range from February 2024 to June 2026, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant submissions.

This funding opportunity aims to address health and healthcare disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases across Latin America. It encourages innovative, multi-disciplinary research focused on clinical epidemiology and public health policy evaluation. Collaborations should include key partners from Latin American institutions, fostering meaningful partnerships to tackle significant health challenges faced by U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. The initiative highlights multiple application deadlines for standard and AIDS-related grants, promoting timely submissions for impactful research.

The Sex Worker Giving Circle Grant, launched by the Third Wave Fund, prioritizes funding for grassroots movements led by individuals directly impacted by gender oppression, especially within the sex work community. With a commitment to gender justice, the grant supports organizations that operate with a participatory approach to grantmaking, enabling them to address systemic inequalities. In recent years, the fund has distributed significant resources to empower and sustain these vital movements across the United States.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Halfacre Excellence in Music Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Grants for Coordination of Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Welfare Services aim to support tribal families at risk of abuse or neglect. This funding encourages innovative projects that enhance case management, supportive services, and prevention strategies. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments and organizations. ACF prioritizes sustainable systems changes, enabling lasting improvements in the coordination of TANF and child welfare programs to better serve vulnerable tribal families.

The Isabel McIsaac Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports master's and doctoral nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Preference is given to candidates pursuing nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and is funded solely through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education.