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Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.
32,000+
Available grants
$8.25B
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$6K
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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.
Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship
The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship was established to assist Saginaw County student-athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic career at Saginaw Valley State University.
The purpose of the corporation is to foster amateur sports competition by recognizing present and former area athletes, coaches and others who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics, either individually or by virtue of their performance on, or in connection with athletic teams representing their high school, community college, four-year college, university or professional team or sport; or by meritorious effort on behalf of athletics. The corporation will annually nominate, elect, honor and award truly outstanding Saginaw County male and female athletes, both past and present.
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.
Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship
The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary was founded in 1955. Its purpose is to promote the interests of the Saginaw County Bar Association and to encourage law-related activities that contribute to community progress and improvements.
The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship has been established to benefit a Saginaw County resident pursuing an education in the field of law.
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.
Saginaw County Child Development Centers Scholarship
A group of concerned citizens met in 1966 to investigate the feasibility of founding a child care agency as part of the local community’s services to needy families. This meeting resulted in the founding of the Saginaw County Child Development Centers, Inc. (SCCDC) in May 1967. The agency started with a staff of five and at the time of its dissolution in 1998, it had a staff of more than 200 and served nearly 1,200 economically disadvantaged and at-risk preschool children throughout Saginaw County.
In its 31-year history, SCCDC provided a variety of programs including home day care programs, emergency food programs, training programs for staff and parents, a food reimbursement program for home day care providers, Michigan School Readiness program, Head Start and housing programs. The success of the program was its partnership within the communities it served to provide an opportunity for children and families to move from poverty to a self-sufficient lifestyle. The agency was dissolved when Saginaw County Community Action Committee was required by the government to operate the Head Start program, instead of delegating to SCCDC.
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.
William B. Hensley, III Scholarship Fund
Bill Hensley was a CPA, a businessman and an entrepreneur. He worked in banking after college, and when he came to Wabash County, he worked for the Shirt Shed. Mr. Hensley was involved for 28 years in owning, creating, developing, financing, and managing several nationally licensed sportswear companies. And when he wasn’t involved in his businesses, he was pursuing his passion of work with youth and coaching sports, He was an important force in coaching and managing the fields of Wabash Little League. Later he co-founded Gym Rats, Inc. and he organized and coached Spiece Gym Rat basketball teams, giving many players secure scholarships to further their education through basketball. Bill passed away at the young age of 58. His wife Cindy and sons J. R. and Todd, along with family and friends, created this scholarship to remember Bill’s love of athletics.
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 High School Class of 1951 Scholarship Endowment
To create college opportunities for students in the county, members of the Wabash High School Class of 1951 created a scholarship for students from any accredited high school in Wabash County. Fred Lintner, Lutricia Gardner, and Richard Hettmansperger wanted to reach out to hard working students planning to pursue a two-year or four-year undergraduate degree in Indiana, especially students with financial need, who have clear career goals, and who are active in school activities or who work at a job to save money for college.
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:
Scholarship Program
The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.
Booker T. Washington Scholarship
For African-American graduating high school seniors from Saline County High School.
Background
The Booker T. Washington scholarship fund was started with the proceeds from the sale of the former Booker T. Washington Negro Center, located at 345 N. Front. It was designed for African American children and was founded as a private enterprise by Miss Janet Porter in 1939. After her death in 1943, the center was operated by the Porter family with aid from the Community Chest. In 1978 the City completed construction of the Carver Center, and the Porter family felt the Booker T. Washington Center was no longer needed. They closed the center, donating all the equipment to the Carver Center, and the property was given to the YWCA. The Y sold the property and used the proceeds to establish the Booker T. Washington Scholarship Fund.
Geographic Limitations
Renewals
Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the following:
Saginaw Community Foundation
The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.
Saginaw Promise Zone Scholarship
Saginaw Promise – investing in the future of Saginaw and the lives of its students through a postsecondary education scholarship. The Saginaw Promise is an economic initiative formed through the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act, enacted in 2009. The Saginaw Promise mission is to affect Saginaw’s economy and quality of life by promoting and supporting postsecondary education for all of Saginaw’s graduating students through information, programming, and a residence-based, last-dollar scholarship. Students eligible to apply must live in and graduate from a high school in the Saginaw Promise Zone consisting of the geographic boundaries of the Saginaw Public School District (City of Saginaw, City of Zilwaukee, Kochville Township and the area of Buena Vista Township designated to the Saginaw Public School District). The Saginaw Promise’s goal is for all of Saginaw’s graduating students to earn a program certificate or degree from a technical or trade school, community college or university in the state of Michigan. The scholarship funds tuition and mandatory fees that are not covered by federal, state, private, or other grants or scholarships.
Special Attachment Required
Please refer to the online scholarship application for more information
Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education.
Charles Philbin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Charlie Philbin, grandson of Dianne and Mark Prothro. Charlie and his two brothers were all Eagle Scouts and recognized the importance of scouting and service to their community. The scholarship is available to one new student each year, and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education with a 3.0 GPA. Graduating high school seniors and current college students who have participated in the Scouting America Northwest TX Council and are from Archer, Clay, and Wichita counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Extra-curricular activities will be considered, and preference given to those obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education.
Carl T. Anderson Family Scholarship
The Carl T. Anderson Family Scholarship was opened in 2007 by Carl's daughters in his honor. The endowed scholarship fund supports graduating high school seniors from Wichita Falls ISD planning to attend Texas Christian University, for any field of study. Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years depending on grades.
Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education.
Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship
The Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship was opened in 2019 by alumni, Hank and Kealey. The one-time $1,000 scholarship supports Clay and Archer County graduating seniors attending Texas A&M in College Station, for any field of study. Recipients must plan to attend full-time and be a U.S. citizen.
Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education.
A.P. and Christine Clark Memorial Scholarship
A. P. Clark was the first one of his family to go to college. He had a good job in Fort Worth in the late 1930s and his mom argued with him about quitting it to go to college. He knew the importance of education and how hard it is for first time students who have no idea of what to expect. This scholarship was created in 2013 to honor his foresight and hard work. The award is for graduating seniors from WFISD attending MSU or Vernon College, pursuing any field of study. Student must have financial need, and be a US citizen.
Harold and Mary W. Perlman Scholarship Fund
The Harold and Mary Perlman Scholarship Fund was established in November 2006 in memory of Harold and Mary Perlman. Mr. and Mrs. Perlman were both educators along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The scholarship will provide assistance for college, junior college, or graduate school students who plan to attend or are currently attending William Carey College, The University of Southern Mississippi, or any campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The applicant should have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale). The individual must have family residency in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson or Stone County and provide evidence of financial need. The applicant must participate in extracurricular and/or community activities. Three references are required.
Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $34,887.
Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.
Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.
To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:
For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.