Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The Perry Bentley Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, awards a four-year scholarship to a high school senior selected as the winner of the annual art show at McMurry University. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education and is part of a broader initiative that provides various scholarships to deserving candidates. Eligible applicants must plan to attend McMurry University to qualify for this prestigious award.

The Rodney Holder Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors the legacy of a dedicated police veteran who served his community for 28 years. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and current college students, particularly children of Taylor County first responders. With awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, it aims to ease educational expenses and ensure that Rodney Holder's commitment to service continues to inspire future generations.

The Satellite Fund Grants, managed by SPACES and supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation, offer Cuyahoga County residents, including emerging artists and curators, the chance to create public visual art projects. This initiative emphasizes accessibility and broad participation, ensuring diverse representation. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to workshops and professional development opportunities, enhancing their artistic capabilities and community engagement.

The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for veterans and military dependents pursuing geoscience degrees at accredited institutions. This program facilitates educational opportunities and aids in the transition of veterans to civilian careers. Eligible applicants must provide proof of military service and demonstrate financial need, along with academic excellence and a commitment to geoscience. This initiative aims to support both active service members and veterans in their educational journeys.

The Point Foundation's Internship & Professional Development Award supports LGBTQ+ and ally students seeking hands-on learning experiences to advance their academic and career goals. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. degree program and apply for a summer 2025 professional development opportunity. Funding can cover costs for activities such as conferences, research, and internships, aimed at enhancing leadership skills and representation in various industries.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Oriole Foundation / Paula & Art Janousek Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Paula and Art Janousec. The Paula and Art Janousec Memorial Scholarship was established with funds donated by the Janousecs and the scholarship was named in their honor by former superintendent Cal DeKuiper who knew the Janousecs as his neighbors. Living next to the superintendent, the Janousecs were inspired and impressed by Ludington's staff and administration's dedication to education and students and cooperative spirit. Their wish was to create a legacy of support as friends of Ludington's educational community.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

Edith Wiskind English Literacy Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Edith Wiskind, a former English teacher, to provide scholarships for Summit County students, with preference given to those pursuing a degree in English.

Amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The Lisa Yoder Scholarship Fund, established by the Defiance Area Foundation in memory of Lisa Yoder, supports higher education for students who have graduated from public high schools and are members of St. Michaels Ridge Catholic Church in Defiance, Ohio. This annual, non-renewable scholarship assists first-year students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at their chosen accredited college or university, with the award amount determined based on fund performance.

The Foster Care Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who have been in foster care and have not been adopted. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational school and are required to submit a transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of youths from challenging backgrounds.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Shell Creek Watershed Scholarship, offered by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, awards three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from specific high schools in the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program. Eligible students must have completed at least one year in the program and plan to pursue studies in science or natural resources. The scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent upon maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 in college.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The Abbott Fellowship Program Grants, established by the Abbott Fund, aim to enhance medical education and patient wellness. Through these grants, medical institutions can develop fellowship programs focusing on critical areas such as cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology, and heart failure. The initiative seeks to foster innovation in healthcare by enabling organizations to support the training of fellows and advance scientific knowledge, ultimately improving patient outcomes and community health.

The Abbott Professional Medical Education Grants provide funding to healthcare institutions and education providers for independent medical education events. Established by the Abbott Fund, these grants aim to enhance scientific knowledge and patient wellness, focusing on areas such as cardiovascular diseases and heart therapies. Grants cover general expenses like accreditation and marketing, but do not support speaker fees or travel costs. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

Stark Community FoundationStark 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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment FundThe Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment Fund assists graduating high school seniors or current college students majoring in advertising, graphic design, communication or related fields. Applicants must reside in Stark County.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

Stark Community FoundationStark 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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship FundThe Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need and intend to utilize this scholarship as the “last dollars” after all aid/scholarships have been awarded.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

Next Jazz Legacy is a mentorship program that supports emerging jazz artists through intergenerational mentorship, performance opportunities, and professional networking. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and led by renowned artist Terri Lyne Carrington, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support package to seven artists annually from 2025 to 2027. Awardees will receive financial investment, mentorship, and learning opportunities to help them thrive in their careers and contribute to a vibrant jazz future.

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

The ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, offers educational support to spouses and children of individuals who have lost their lives in workplace incidents. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens of such tragedies and encourages continuing education for affected families. The ASSP Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to promoting safety and building a sustainable talent pipeline in environmental health and safety. Donations are tax-deductible and contribute to a safer future for workers.

The Girls Flag Grant, offered by USA Football, aims to empower youth and scholastic organizations to establish girls-only flag football programs. This inclusive initiative provides tailored support, including equipment, playbooks, and marketing resources. With a commitment to fostering growth in the sport, each grant is customized to meet the unique needs of the organization, ensuring long-term success and engagement in the game. Organizations must enroll with USA Football to apply.

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award offers a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 for pre-collegiate musicians aged 8-18 participating in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. This award aims to support talented young musicians facing financial barriers in their pursuit of classical music education. Applicants must demonstrate strong musical ability and are required to fully engage in the fellowship program to receive the award.

The Barbara Bass Community College Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors who are first-generation college students living in Tyler, Texas. This renewable scholarship aims to assist students attending any community college in the United States while considering financial need through FASFA. Founded in 1989, the Foundation promotes educational opportunities, reflecting the belief in education's transformative power for young individuals.

The H. D. Segur and Friends Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award for graduating high school students entering college. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1923, the Foundation is dedicated to addressing community issues and fostering equitable outcomes for local residents.