Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Virginia E. Schultz Memorial Endowed Scholarship, funded by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports students from Muskingum County pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, graduates, and undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to those from local high schools and those studying trade fields. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Ann G. Haley Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the medical field.

The Friends of Secrest Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to enrich the lives of young individuals pursuing fine arts education. This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from specific school districts, who are active participants in the Muskingum County Choir Concert. Winners will be recognized at a holiday concert, supporting their aspirations in music, theatre, or other fine arts. Applications should detail their GPA, school, and relevant activities.

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions of time and energy for special projects or activities by AFS members. The number of recipients may vary. A single member, a group of members, and AFS staff are eligible candidates. Nominations should include description of the outstanding contributions by the candidate(s).

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Carl R. Sullivan Fishery Conservation Award

Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the conservation of fishery resources. Eligibility is not restricted to AFS members, and accomplishments can include political, legal, educational, scientific, and managerial successes. Nominations should include a synopsis of fishery conservation contributions; a description of the influence of those contributions on improved understanding, management, or use of fishery resources; and, at least, one additional supporting letter.

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Award of Excellence

The Society’s highest award for scientific achievement is presented to a living AFS member for original and/or outstanding contributions to fisheries and aquatic biology. 

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind persons can live the life they want.

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) awards a scholarship to a worthy blind individual who is pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time program of post-secondary study or training and is a resident of West Virginia. This award is known as the Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift. Both Sid Allen and Jack Sprinkle were long time leaders in the organized blind movement in West Virginia. The gift is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and the scholarship will be given at the annual banquet of the NFBWV State Convention.

The Willis C. Helm Charitable Trust, established in 1954, focuses on supporting organizations that work on juvenile delinquency and the development of boys from broken homes. It provides annual grants averaging between $5,000 and $15,000, with a total giving of around $60,000 for five grants each year. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and preferably located in Minnesota. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in visual or performing arts. This non-renewable scholarship is aimed at graduating high school seniors and college students, ensuring that the funds reach those who demonstrate a commitment to arts education. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on specific donor criteria, promoting educational opportunities within the community.

The AHRF Birtman Grant provides up to $75,000 for one year of research focused on hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. This grant encourages both basic and clinical studies, covering direct costs such as staff salaries and research equipment. Applicants must hold relevant advanced degrees and be affiliated with a U.S. university or hospital. An alternative budget option of $50,000 is available, enhancing eligibility for Regular grants if not awarded the Birtman Grant.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the parents and alumni of Reeths Puffer Schools, who established the Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Rocket Scholars Foundation was created by parents and alumni with two purposes in mind:

• To continue to foster within the school system a culture of rigorous academic achievement for all students and
• To offer those students who have demonstrated high achievement, scholarships to help defray the increasingly expensive tuition costs at colleges, universities and accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools.

The Genentech Foundation supports innovative projects that address systemic inequities in healthcare. They fund tax-exempt organizations, including public charities and governmental entities, located in the U.S. Grant requests must be submitted at least 60 days before the project start date. Notably, projects must align with Genentech's commitment to advancing health equity and diversity in the medical workforce. Applications for funding will be accepted starting January 2, 2026, after a temporary closure.

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.

Webster Cornwell 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 PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

The Frances Cowan Gibson Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors and current college students pursuing visual arts. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving artistic ambitions. Applicants must be from Smith County and are not required to demonstrate financial need. It rewards students dedicated to their artistic studies, allowing them to continue their education in visual arts at any college in the United States.

Camden Property Trust Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Camden employees.

About the Scholarship Award:

• Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:
  • 4-year college and trade schools: $5,500
  • 2-year college: $3,000
• Reapply guidelines:
  • Students in a four-year degree program may reapply up to 3 years after initial award (maximum 4 years of funding)
  • Students in a two-year degree or certificate program may reapply up to one year after initial award (maximum 2 years of funding)

What can this scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses.
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.
• Scholarships cannot be used for a summer semester or for graduate degrees.

The CAO Legislative Crisis Grant, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, is designed to support affiliates in creating and refining student-centered initiatives. Grants can be utilized for contract campaigns, new program development, or enhancing existing practices to improve sustainable learning conditions. This opportunity is exclusive to affiliates, ensuring a focused approach to advocacy and collective bargaining efforts that benefit students.

The Kathy’s Kids Scholarship, established in honor of Kathy Smith, provides educational support for young women in the Longview area facing challenges. Administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower graduating seniors to pursue their educational goals. With a focus on financial need, applicants must be from participating high schools and demonstrate resilience in overcoming adversity. Scholarships of $1,500 are available and may renew annually, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of bone marrow failure. This funding opportunity encourages applications for translational and clinical studies, requiring preliminary data to strengthen proposals. Unique features include the ability for a partnering Principal Investigator to contribute to the research, thereby fostering collaboration while maintaining a focus on significant advancements in patient care.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lewis and Margaret, who established the Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret Curtis wished to establish two scholarships; one for females pursuing careers in nursing or health care careers and the other for a male pursuing a vocational, technical or trade career scholarship. Mrs. Curtis, a nurse in the area, provided for this fund in her will in memory of her husband and herself. She stated that the income be used to award scholarships in two fields, nursing and vocational training.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.

The Larry A. Weaver, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $4,000 to a graduating high school senior or HiSet diploma holder who is a member of the Buffalo Baptist Church in Buffalo, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need via FAFSA-SAI, submit a transcript, and provide an essay detailing community service and school activities, along with a recommendation letter from a church staff member.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program aims to provide essential resources to combat abuse against individuals aged 50 and older. Funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, this initiative supports states, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in addressing various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic exploitation. Applications are due by September 16, 2026, ensuring timely assistance to vulnerable populations.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering approximately $589 million in competitive grants through the Low or No Emission Grant Program. These funds support the purchase or lease of low-emission and zero-emission transit buses, along with the construction and leasing of necessary facilities. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable public transportation solutions. Further details and the full announcement will be available on Grants.gov under opportunity FTA-2026-011-TPM-LWNO.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering $610 million in competitive grants through the Fiscal Year 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This funding aims to support capital projects related to buses and bus facilities, including the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and equipment, as well as the construction or leasing of bus-related facilities, encouraging advancements in public transit infrastructure.

The John Stashonsky Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from John Glenn High School, Cambridge High School, or Mid-East Career and Technology Center (Zanesville Campus) who are pursuing higher education. Applicants are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in Muskingum County through philanthropy.