Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

The Michael Brill Research Award in Urban Communication

Sponsored by the Urban Communication Foundation and the Environmental Design Research Association

The Michael Brill Award for Urban Communication, Design, and Human Behavior supports innovative research that seeks to enhance the quality of community life by examining human communicative behavior in the context of the technologies and the physical environments in which those interactions occur. This research should address and connect theoretical perspectives from the fields of communication, design and the social sciences. Research supported by the Brill Grant may focus on how physical community places influence the mode, nature, and content of human communicative behavior OR use a communication lens for examining community places and human activity.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

James Smith Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be pursuing a higher education in either engineering or Christian education at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

The scholarship is renewable.

The Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing construction careers within 75 miles of specific Minnesota high schools. Named after a dedicated Ulland Brothers Inc. employee, this scholarship offers $1,000 annually for up to two years, promoting education in fields like Diesel Mechanics and Civil Engineering. Eligible applicants must maintain a 2.8 GPA and demonstrate community involvement, ensuring they are well-rounded candidates for this financial assistance.

The US Dept. of Health & Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is renewing the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) PAR-23-237 to support established biomedical data repositories and knowledgebases. This funding aims to sustain impactful resources that address the needs of the biomedical research community. Applications for this phase must demonstrate prior scientific impact and the potential for continued benefit to the community, while no new applications are being solicited at this time.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Personal Services Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to further his/her education toward obtaining training to work in the Personal Services area.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is inviting eligible organizations to submit unsolicited research proposals targeting key areas like housing affordability and homelessness. This initiative aims to foster high-quality research that informs housing policies and programs. Projects must secure matching funds of at least 50% of the total cost and align with HUD's research priorities to qualify for cooperative agreements, ensuring ongoing collaboration throughout the research process.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to an advisor who has made a profound contribution to a non-profit organization through an established history of distinguished service, where he or she exhibited leadership, provided inspiration, and gained recognition and respect from peers and the community over a period of at least 20 years, helping the organization evolve and creating a lasting impact on the future of the organization.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

The Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing the community through various focus areas such as environmental protection, economic vitality, and education. The grant aims to improve the lives of residents in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and Gerton, while ensuring that proposals align with the foundation's goals. However, partisan activities and for-profit promotions are excluded from eligibility.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Volunteer of the Year Award

Presented to an advisor who has made a significant impact on a nonprofit as a volunteer of at least 3 years by working hands-on and giving of their time, talent, and energy to make a lasting impact on the organization, those it serves, and the community at large.

The Don Forsyth 'Circle K' Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes outstanding members of Circle K clubs in New York State. This scholarship aims to support students committed to serving individuals with Down Syndrome through careers in special education, speech, physical, or occupational therapy. Established in 1968, the foundation empowers local communities and provides meaningful financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional community service.

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants, funded by The Mellon Foundation, aim to enhance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice. These grants support projects that engage with historically marginalized communities, including people of color and those with disabilities. By providing resources and coaching for sustainable project development, the program promotes inclusion in the digital humanities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping digital knowledge and cultural heritage.

The Trent R. Dames & William W. Moore Fellowship, established by Dames and Moore in 1990, supports graduate studies for practicing engineers or earth scientists who are ASCE members. This fellowship aims to advance engineering science and enhance societal welfare through innovative applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences, addressing social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Annually, two recipients are selected to further their academic pursuits in these critical fields.

The Catawba Valley Community Foundation provides grants to enhance community life in Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Established in 1997, it supports local nonprofits through its community grantmaking fund and the Brian Long Youth Fund, focusing on youth needs like hunger and mental health. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, totaling up to $38,000 in funding. Special consideration is given to projects targeting early childhood development and substance use disorders.

The Lisa Walder Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in fields such as Foreign Language, Liberal Arts, and Business. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students enrolled in accredited institutions. With a focus on financial need, this renewable scholarship offers funding for up to three years, emphasizing academic achievement with a required GPA of 2.5. This program aims to empower women through education and community growth.

The Resilient Student Scholarship, established in 2023 by AIAA and Club for the Future, aims to support high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. institutions. This $10,000 scholarship is designed for students facing unique challenges, including disabilities or socioeconomic hardships. Recipients will receive mentorship from AIAA professionals to guide them toward successful careers in aerospace, fostering a new generation of innovators in the field.

The Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are presenting at the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. Awardees, selected from participants in the SOT Undergraduate Diversity Program, receive a plaque and a travel stipend to support their attendance. This initiative honors Perry J. Gehring's legacy in promoting diversity in toxicology and encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in biomedical sciences.

The John W. Purvis Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing Aeronautical Engineering or related fields, honoring the legacy of John Purvis, former CEO at Edge Autonomy. Offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in achieving their educational aspirations. With a commitment to inclusivity and community development, this scholarship helps foster a brighter future for ambitious students in San Luis Obispo County.

About Us

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

About Our Scholarships

Our scholarships exist thanks to local families, friends, and organizations who have partnered with the Community Foundation to memorialize or honor someone, celebrate their alma mater, or promote a chosen career field. The creation of a scholarship fund can affect the donor as much as the recipient. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

The Thomas J. Bowers Aviation Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created in honor of Thomas J. Bowers to provide scholarships to deserving Washington County students who are active members of the Civil Air Patrol and express a desire to pursue a degree in an aviation-related field.

The Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors a dedicated law enforcement officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. This scholarship supports local high school graduates pursuing degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement, with eligibility based on residency, academic performance, and intent to serve in the field. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documentation to be considered for this meaningful opportunity.

This funding opportunity aims to bolster the cancer surveillance workforce through educational initiatives. By enhancing collaborations with cancer partners and developing tools for improved data quality, this program will expand the capacity of registrars. Efforts will focus on recruitment and retention, ultimately ensuring compliance with Public Law 102-515. Strengthening the cancer registrar workforce will lead to timely and accurate cancer data submission, supporting public health objectives.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.

Stephen J. Roy Memorial Scholarship

The Stephen J. Roy Memorial Scholarship is available to high school seniors who reside in Larimer County and are interested in law, government, debate, or similar law-related educational activities.

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

FCA Foundation Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $5,000. 

The Professional Pipeline Grant from the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation aims to foster diversity in the insolvency industry. This grant supports legal services organizations working to create an inclusive pipeline for students and professionals facing barriers to success. With grants typically capped at $10,000, the Foundation may offer higher amounts for innovative new programs. Applicants are encouraged to utilize available resources to enhance their proposals and maximize funding opportunities.