Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The NCRG Large Grant, provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, supports high-quality research on gambling disorders and responsible gambling. Eligible applicants can request up to $75,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months, totaling $187,500. The grant emphasizes scientific rigor through its advisory board, ensuring only the best proposals receive funding. This initiative aims to advance understanding and treatment of gambling-related issues through peer-reviewed research.

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of John F. Burt of Neshoba County. Mr. Burt was raised during the depression and as a result he was resilient, a hard worker and resourceful. He learned the importance of sharing with those in need. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he strengthened his beliefs about patriotism, commitment and service. After the war, he and his wife opened a grocery store where he continued to be in service of others. God, family, and fellowship were priorities of Mr. Burt’s; he was always willing to be of service to anyone he considered family and at times to complete strangers. Obviously, Mr. Burt’s experiences shaped his moral code and guided the compass of his life.  Scholarship funds to be used towards fees for tuition and/or books only.

The Institutional Support for Capacity Building Grant for Historic Preservation Nonprofits, offered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, aims to enhance the operational capacity of local nonprofit historic preservation organizations. This grant provides funding based on organizational budgets, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. By fostering greater stability and capabilities, the program supports the effective management and planning of historic preservation initiatives, ultimately benefiting the communities these organizations serve.

Ava’s Grace Scholarship, founded in 2010, provides vital educational support to students with incarcerated parents or caregivers in Missouri and parts of Illinois. Offering scholarships up to $5,000 annually, it renews through graduation. This initiative promotes hope and community, transforming lives through education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, while also planning to pursue an accredited degree. This program, part of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, aims to foster a brighter future.

The Embracing Aging Grants Program, supported by the York County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of residents aged 50 and older in York County. By providing funding to eligible nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public school districts, the program fosters age equity and combats ageism. Grants are available for new programs, expansion, and research, ensuring that vital services continue to thrive within the community.

The BJC Scholars Fund Scholarship, backed by BJC HealthCare, aims to support high school seniors from specific Missouri and Illinois counties pursuing higher education. Eligible students can receive up to $12,000 per academic year, renewable for up to ten semesters. This initiative addresses community needs highlighted by the Ferguson Commission, promoting educational opportunities for youth in the regions served by BJC hospitals, which are known for their commitment to healthcare excellence.

The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship, established by rootEd Alliance in 2018, supports high school seniors from rural Missouri and Idaho in pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship provides up to $12,000 annually for students attending accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be committed to completing a bachelor’s degree program. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote success for students in rural America.

The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County Fund offers grants aimed at empowering women aged 18 and older facing challenging situations. With funding from the Community Foundation of Frederick County, the program supports initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and improve quality of life. Grants range from $1,000 to $40,000, targeting organizations that enhance workforce development, financial literacy, and economic stability for women. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and government agencies focused on community causes.

The Littler Youth Fund provides grants to support youth programs and projects in Weld County, aiming to positively impact local youth aged 0-18. Eligible organizations must demonstrate measurable outcomes, address unmet community needs, and possess strong leadership. Preference is given to projects that enhance resource efficiency and community involvement. Grants are limited to one per organization per year, and specific ineligibilities apply, including funding for capital requests and individual scholarships.

The LGBTQ Health & Wellness Fund RFP aims to enhance health equity for LGBT individuals in South Florida by funding initiatives that address their specific health and wellness needs. This program supports organizations dedicated to closing health disparities caused by social stigma and discrimination. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, focusing on LGBTQ populations, and should propose interventions aligned with the Health Promotion Research Report. The goal is to foster healthier, happier lives for the LGBT community.

The Angie and James Anderson Memorial Agriculture Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. To qualify, applicants must be Montana high school graduates who demonstrate community involvement and possess creativity and innovative vision. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders in agriculture and environmental sciences, enhancing the educational landscape of Montana.

The National Philanthropy Day Grant Program, managed by the Long Beach Community Foundation, aims to enhance community service through a one-day volunteer project. This initiative supports local nonprofits in beautifying their facilities, fostering collaboration among community partners, and promoting charitable giving. Eligible organizations must be 501(C)(3) nonprofits based in Long Beach, with projects that can be completed in one day, demonstrating significant impact and community involvement.

About GCF

The Gretna Community Foundation (GCF) is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of Gretna. Since 2011, we have been dedicated to helping donors make a lasting impact on our community. Through our partnership with the Midlands Community Foundation, we ensure professional financial management while maintaining the flexibility to direct funds toward local projects that shape Gretna's future. Whether supporting education, community development, or local nonprofits, GCF is committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for generations to come. 

The Rich Meiers Health Administration Fund, established in 2009, offers scholarships to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing degrees in hospital or health care administration. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and be residents of Hawaii attending a local college or university. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. This fund supports future leaders in health care.

The Richard "Longy" and Eleanor "Sluggo" Okamoto Kamalii Manaloa Volleyball Scholarship Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school seniors who have been active members of their varsity volleyball teams. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students, reinforcing the fund's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The AIE Arts Curriculum Project, funded by the Arkansas Heritage, aims to enhance arts education in schools across Arkansas. By providing mini-grants, the project supports initiatives that integrate arts into curricula, fostering creativity and innovation among students. The Arkansas Arts Council, established in 1966, ensures that local artists engage with students, promoting equitable access to arts education. This initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also strengthens community ties through cultural engagement.

The purpose of the Education Service Centers (ESC) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with Title I, Part A campuses in implementing Title I, Part A formula grant, and secondarily to provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs included in any subsequent addendum, that increase opportunities for all students enrolled in schools served by Title I, Part A to meet challenging State academic assessment standards.

Texas Education Agency's (TEA) strategic vision for ESSA formula grants is to improve student achievement, to ensure school systems have sufficient guidance and technical assistance to meet ESSA federal compliance requirements, to strengthen the quality of local ESSA programs, and to promote coordinated use of funds for best practices aligned to TEA Strategic Priorities in the ESSA Consolidated State Plan.  

The Regional Site Readiness Program-Capital Ready, initiated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to enhance infrastructure across the state, preparing sites for industrial and manufacturing development. With a total funding of $40 million, awards will range from $250,000 to $3 million, supporting communities to overcome financial barriers and increasing the number of sites ready for future industrial development in all ten Economic Development Regions of Illinois.

The OVAC Community/Artist Partnership Grant supports Oklahoma artists in creating visual art for public engagement and community projects. With funding up to $1500, eligible artists must be over 21, Oklahoma residents, and not currently enrolled in a BFA or MFA program. The grant evaluates applications based on artistic quality, community impact, and project feasibility, fostering collaboration between artists and the community to promote local visual arts.

Individual Artist Fellowship

The Fellowship Program honors Oregon's professional artists and their achievements while supporting efforts to advance their careers.

The next deadline for the Fellowship program is for Performing Arts. This for the grant period from January 1, 2027 -- December 31, 2027.

The Arts Commission offers Fellowships in multiple artistic disciplines in alternating years:

• Performing Arts (choreography, dance, music composition, music performance, theater, performance art, storytelling and puppetry).
• Visual Arts (crafts, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, new media, fashion, graphic design and industrial design).

The Alvin J. Baird, Jr. Program Endowment Fund, established in 2005, supports healthcare initiatives in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Following the closure of the H-R Free Clinic, the fund now allocates over $42,000 annually to nonprofits addressing unmet healthcare needs through a competitive grants process. The Community Foundation ensures that grants are awarded without discrimination, fostering a healthier community for all residents. This mission aligns with their commitment to service and community welfare.

Charity League of MHC Scholarship

This Scholarship has an outside committee and is not affiliated with the Community Foundation.

• Must submit a recommendation form filled out by his/her guidance counselor.
• $1,000

The Gladys Elting Elementary Education Scholarship at Montana State University supports aspiring educators pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Eligible candidates must be graduates of Laurel or Shelby, Montana high schools, awarded in alternating years. This scholarship aims to empower future teachers, enhancing educational opportunities and community impact. Freshman students are preferred, aligning with MSU's commitment to transformative higher education since its founding in 1893.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Wayne & Alberta Neel Scholarship

Amount

$1,000 minimum

Geographic limitations

Graduates from a Cloud County high school.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool.

Barry and Elaine Nocks Scholarship

Barry and Elaine Nocks established this scholarship fund to provide educational scholarships to first generation college students who reside in Greenville County, SC.

Amount

• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal.
• Prior recipients may apply for subsequent awards not to exceed four academic years.

The Stiefvater Senior Endowment Grant, offered by the North Valley Community Foundation, aims to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of older adults. This grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors by providing essential services such as food, shelter, and medical care. Eligible applicants are encouraged to engage in discussions about community needs, fostering collaboration to improve senior care in the North Valley.

The Tongan Cultural Society Scholarship Fund, established by the Tongan Cultural Society in 2003, provides financial support to Hawaii residents of Tongan ancestry pursuing education in Hawaii. Scholarship amounts vary, typically averaging around $6,000, depending on fund size and applicant qualifications. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to previous recipients and those of Tongan descent.