Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The AccessLex Bar Success Research Grant Program aims to fund innovative and rigorous studies focused on the bar examination, including predictors of performance and effective preparation methodologies. By encouraging collaborations among educational institutions and stakeholders, the program seeks to enhance bar passage rates for at-risk students. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 24 months, promoting well-designed research that addresses critical issues in legal education.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of accredited high schools in the Sioux Falls area. Plans to attend an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

Multiple scholarships are awarded.

The Philip W. Sheridan-Tighe and Bond Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports graduating high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties pursuing civil engineering at a four-year college. Applicants can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships, which may influence college financial aid. Eligibility extends to students enrolling in accredited post-secondary schools in the U.S., including those from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Humphrey-Ragsdale Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Residents of Craven County or graduates of a Craven County high school who are pursuing higher education at a two-year or four-year college or university, community or technical college, apprenticeship program, or pursuing graduate school or other professional degree such as dental, medical, law or seminary. Preference for those with a connection to First Baptist Church of New Bern, including but not limited to a church member, family of a church member, employee or former employee, family of employee or former employee, or youth group member.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Marc & Undine Cross Memorial Scholarship (2025)

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

The Equity in Mathematics Grant (PK-6) aims to enhance mathematics education for underrepresented student groups, addressing disparities linked to race, gender, and culture. Funded by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this grant supports innovative classroom materials and lesson plans that focus on improving student achievement. Eligible applicants include classroom teachers and collaborative groups. The initiative seeks proposals that reflect best practices in mathematics education while fostering equity and inclusivity in learning environments.

The Agnes and Margaret Macmillan Scholarship, established by the Saint Andrew's Society in New York, offers five annual scholarships worth $45,000 each. Aimed at fostering academic exchange, it supports US students studying in Scotland and Scottish students in the US. Candidates must demonstrate Scottish descent and reside in specific Northeastern states. This scholarship honors the legacy of Margaret 'Peggy' Macmillan, who significantly contributed to the fund in memory of her sister Agnes.

The Mary E. Wilsberg Scholarship, established in 1988 by Mary E. Wilsberg, supports Grand Haven or Spring Lake High School graduates pursuing graduate education, including PhD programs. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and community service, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is not a priority for applicants, who must demonstrate involvement in their school and community. This scholarship simplifies the application process by allowing candidates to apply for multiple foundation scholarships with a single submission.

The John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Program aims to enhance research infrastructure and training at higher education institutions to address health disparities. Key objectives include improving physical infrastructure, acquiring research equipment, developing technical expertise, expanding academic science programs, and recruiting accomplished researchers. This limited competition invites applications from eligible organizations, with a rigorous peer-review process to ensure only high-quality proposals receive funding.

The Melissa Skiera Myers Scholarship, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in math, science, and business. Funded by Melissa Skiera Myers to alleviate educational financial burdens, this scholarship prioritizes first-generation college students and those overcoming challenges. Applicants need to submit transcripts and specific documents. With a competitive selection process, the fund aims to empower Tri-Cities women, including adult learners, to achieve their academic goals without the weight of student debt.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship

The Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship was established to preserve the company legacy as a flourishing enterprise and was once the largest private brand baking powder factory in the world, producing not only baking powder, but a variety of flavoring extracts, gelatin extracts, powdered skim milk, and cocoa for over 200 companies. The Wabash Baking Powder Company was located on the northwest corner of South Wabash Street and Water Street. The building was directly on the Wabash & Erie Canal and was believed to have originally been a warehouse for the import and export of Canal goods and merchandise.

The Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites proposals for research aimed at enhancing national security through scientific study and experimentation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, this unrestricted acquisition encourages small businesses to participate. Proposals must demonstrate substantive research results and comply with federal regulations, ensuring a competitive selection process. The BAA supports exploratory and advanced development programs, with a focus on practical applications and potential experimental testing.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports the dependent children of active or retired members of the Columbus Division of Fire. Established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, this scholarship aims to enhance the educational opportunities for these children. Eligible candidates must attend a public or nonprofit independent college or university in the U.S. full-time, with an award amount of $1,000 to assist in their educational journey.

The Installed Building Products Building for Tomorrow Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support employees and their families in pursuing educational goals. Award amounts include $5,000 annually for the duration of a program or degree, with a special $10,000 scholarship for a candidate demonstrating the highest financial need. Open to anyone attending accredited institutions in the U.S., preference is given to those in construction-related fields.

The Dalsemer Interstitial Lung Disease Award, funded by the American Lung Association, provides $50,000 per year for two years to support junior investigators researching interstitial lung disease. This award aims to foster independence in early-career scientists while building on the Association's 120-year legacy of improving lung health through innovative research and advocacy efforts, ultimately enhancing the lives of those affected by lung disease.

The Gravelin Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 grant to a graduating high school senior who has faced significant life challenges, such as illness or trauma. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, show financial need via a FAFSA-SAI form, and plan to enroll in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational institution. Applicants are required to submit a transcript, a personal essay, and details of their community service and school involvement.

The Hasting Innovation Award for Interstitial Lung Disease, offered by the American Lung Association, provides $75,000 annually for up to two years to support early-career researchers. This award targets investigators with proven excellence and a track record of accomplishment, aiming to advance lung disease science. Successful candidates must have held a K or R type award within the last three to five years, fostering innovation and discovery in lung health.

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

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.

George F. and Asha W. McMillan Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial support to an individual in order for him or her to receive a degree in Christian education or related studies or to advance his or her Christian vocation.

BrightFocus Foundation offers Alzheimer's Disease Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating Alzheimer's disease. These grants encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, fostering creativity in scientific research. The program includes Standard Awards for early investigators with a maximum funding of $300,000 for three years and Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards for young researchers at $200,000 for two years, promoting the development of independent research careers.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Music Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.