Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Ohio

The African-American Community Foundation - Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship, established in 2006 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school African-American students from Montgomery County. It provides scholarships to those planning to attend a four-year post-secondary institution full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and achieve at least a 21 on the ACT or its SAT equivalent, while also demonstrating financial need.

The Leo and Piney Scott Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors the legacy of Leo and Piney Scott, who dedicated their lives to education and community service. This scholarship supports students who have completed at least one year of higher education, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and prioritize African American students from the Big Country area. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, reflecting the foundation's commitment to empowering future leaders.

The Margaret Wheeler Kennedy Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Margaret Wheeler Kennedy, supports graduating high school seniors who are active members of Holy Family, Sacred Heart, St. Francis, or St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Churches in Abilene. Eligible students must rank in the top 25% of their class and have participated in religious education. Awards are sent directly to educational institutions, assisting students in pursuing their academic and career goals.

The Nolan County Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial assistance to eligible graduating seniors from Nolan County high schools. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000 and are sent directly to educational institutions. This initiative supports various students, including those pursuing trade certifications, ensuring broader access to higher education opportunities. Applications require a completed acceptance form before payment processing in August and January.

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 Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship, established by Shellie B. Evans, honors her parents' legacy of community service and education. This scholarship supports Abilene ISD seniors and alumni with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, providing financial assistance to those pursuing higher education or vocational training in the U.S. Payments are made directly to institutions in August and January, promoting educational advancement for deserving students.

The Ruth Hatcher and Joe Williamson Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial support for McMurry junior or senior students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Music Education. This scholarship, honoring the legacy of Ruth Williamson's parents, is part of a broader initiative that supports various students with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, ensuring accessibility to music education.

The Second Chances Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports non-traditional students seeking to complete their degrees. With awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000, this scholarship aims to make education accessible for those returning to school. Payments are made directly to institutions in August and January, ensuring that funds are available when needed. This initiative honors Kay Billings, who dedicated her life to education and fostering student success.

The Saw Island Foundation provides Social Change, Faith-Based, and Special Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on community betterment. They support initiatives that enhance economic security and promote Christian education. While active engagement is primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, they welcome extraordinary projects aligned with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation does not fund individual grants, political activities, or lobbying efforts.

The WesTex Drilling Co – Robt. B. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating seniors from select Abilene high schools. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and plan to pursue careers in engineering, science, or math. Scholarships range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments directed to educational institutions in August and January. This fund is part of a larger initiative to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

The American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) offers a prestigious International Post-doc Research Fellowship Program aimed at supporting innovative research in cancer biology and treatment. Open to Italian citizens with advanced degrees obtained within the last three years, the program encourages applications for both basic and clinical research. Typically, applications are accepted from January to February, with fellowships granted for one year, potentially extendable for a second year.

The ASH Research Training Award for Fellows (RTAF) supports junior researchers in hematology and hematology-related fields. It offers $70,000 for one year, ensuring dedicated research time. Eligible MD and MD-PhD fellows can apply for a second year, aiding their competitiveness for further awards. The program emphasizes research in hematologic conditions and requires documented mentorship support. Awardees also receive $1,000 for ASH annual meeting attendance, fostering networking and professional development.

The Hematology Inclusion Pathway Fellow Award supports early-career researchers from underrepresented communities in hematology in the U.S. and Canada. Offering up to $100,000 over two to three years, the award enables fellows to focus on hematology research and enhance their competitiveness for future awards. Eligible applicants include those with relevant degrees, who are in their first or second fellowship year, and have a committed ASH member mentor. This initiative aims to diversify the field of academic hematology.

The Philip Keenan Award, presented by the American Orchid Society, honors individuals dedicated to studying or preserving native orchids in North America. This prestigious award acknowledges past accomplishments in these fields, promoting broader appreciation for orchids and supporting ongoing conservation efforts. Applicants can include students, amateurs, or professionals who demonstrate commitment and passion for orchid research and preservation, contributing to the sustainability of these beautiful plants.

The Rich Huntsman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from the Muskingum Valley League or Muskingum County who have actively participated in bowling. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ongoing involvement in the sport during their senior year. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and sports engagement.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

The Stephen Hales Prize, established in 1927 by the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), honors the Reverend Stephen Hales for his groundbreaking contributions to plant biology, particularly noted in his 1727 work, Vegetable Staticks. This prestigious award is given annually to an ASPB member who has made significant contributions to the field. The recipient is invited to present their work at the Society's annual meeting, fostering engagement within the plant science community.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

The Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices Program, administered by CLIR, aims to digitize rare and unique content from diverse communities in the US and Canada. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on materials that highlight the histories of underrepresented groups, including people of color and marginalized communities. The program promotes public knowledge, broad representation, authentic partnerships, sustainable infrastructures, and community-centered access, providing funding between $50,000 and $300,000 to eligible organizations.

The John Berger Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MPP students who are graduates of Harvard College, aiming to work in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs. This fellowship is part of HKS's commitment to improving public policy and leadership, offering scholarships and fellowships based on merit and financial need, without discrimination against applicants based on citizenship, race, or other protected classifications.

The Common Cents Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides up to two $3,000 scholarships to Dallas ISD students involved in the Common Cents philanthropy program. This scholarship can be utilized for tuition, books, and fees at accredited colleges, universities, trade, or vocational schools across the U.S. Eligible applicants must be current Juniors or Seniors at a Dallas ISD High School and must have participated in the program during the application year.

The C.V.M. Scholarship Fund, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers up to $10,000 to graduates of Mildred Independent School District pursuing further education. Since 1953, CFT has collaborated with donors and nonprofits to uplift communities. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 4.0 (out of 7.0) and meet SAT or ACT score requirements. This initiative aims to empower local students in their educational journeys.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The Dr. Anson L. Clark Scholarship, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, provides financial support of up to $20,000 for graduating seniors from Dallas Independent School District. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 and achieve either a SAT score of 1190 or an ACT score of 24. This initiative aims to empower students to pursue higher education in Texas, fostering academic achievement and community growth.

The Dr. Frederick Jones Sr. Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Southwest Dallas, specifically Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Lancaster. This scholarship is intended for students pursuing degrees in STEM fields or medicine at accredited colleges or universities across the United States. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 and be in good academic standing.