Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Glenn H. and Lyla E. Lehrer Construction Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. With a focus on full-time undergraduate students, preference is given to graduate students, veterans, and those with dependents. This scholarship aims to help transform lives through education, reflecting MSU's commitment to accessibility and community development since its founding in 1893.

The OVAC Creative Projects Grant, offered by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, supports Oklahoma artists aged 21 and above in creating visual art for public presentation. Grants of up to $1500 are awarded for new projects culminating in public events. Eligible applicants must not be current BFA or MFA students and should not have received OVAC funding in the past year. The evaluation focuses on the potential impact, quality, concept, and feasibility of the proposed work.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Deceased Teachers

For a resident of the West Noble School District who will have a high school diploma or equivalent by the end of June 2026, is or will be enrolled in a certified 1-,2-,3- or 4-year Indiana post-high school program (the award is given in alphabetical rotational distribution among the three school corporations of Noble County.) Pays $500 one-time.  

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Scholarship Fund

Awards a one time payment of $500 to a high school senior who will be accepted into a 2-year or 4-year accredited public or private institution of higher learning and is a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council member, currently involved and having been involved for a minimum of two years, consecutively. 

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – PLAY Grant provides financial support to organizations that encourage youth activity. Aiming to combat inactivity in communities, the grant offers up to $25,000 annually, with a potential total of $50,000 over two years for qualifying programs. This funding is designed to inspire and create opportunities for kids and their families to engage in physical activities, enhancing their overall well-being and success in life.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Education Scholarship Fund

Awards $3,500 one time to high school seniors who attend a Noble County high school and will begin a four-year bachelor’s program at an accredited college or university in the Fall, majoring in education to become a teacher. Applicants must have lived in Noble County at least one year.

The Women's Fund of Weld County Grant Program supports initiatives that promote the economic self-sufficiency and self-esteem of girls and women in Weld County. The fund prioritizes projects that focus on girls' futures and education, employment, training, and self-development. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of women and girls, ensuring long-lasting community impact.

The Glen L. Martin Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This scholarship is part of the university's commitment to providing accessible education since its founding in 1893. With a limited number of scholarships available for incoming students, it aims to transform lives and communities through higher education in engineering disciplines.

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

Cloud Ceramics Masonry Scholarship

Amount

Varies

This award is not renewable.

The Philip & Louise Wang Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2022, aims to support U.S. residents who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and good character while attending accredited post-high school institutions. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to first-generation college students and previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative embodies our vision of a thriving and equitable Hawai‘i.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers the Consultant Support Grant Program to enhance organizational capacity in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Nonprofits in the Foundation's twenty-town service area can receive up to $2,000 for consultancy services. This short-term support fosters collaboration and equity within organizations, allowing for workshops and training. Eligible organizations can only apply once in a 12-month period, ensuring broad access to resources for community enhancement.

Associated General Contractors Of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

We award scholarships to individuals enrolled in certified training, pre-apprenticeship, or craft apprenticeship programs, and those attending two- or four-year college degree programs.

CLIC Scholarship

The California Landscape Irrigation Council (CLIC) Inc. Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student who portrays academic excellence working towards a degree in landscape construction, contracting, engineering, construction management, business administration, and/or related fields. The scholarship is also open to members of union trades specific to landscape careers. 

Associated General Contractors Of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

We award scholarships to individuals enrolled in certified training, pre-apprenticeship, or craft apprenticeship programs, and those attending two- or four-year college degree programs.

AGC College Scholarship

This scholarship awards individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. It is a great opportunity for college students pursuing construction or construction-related careers who are enrolled in a two—or four-year degree program. 

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees. 

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program

The HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving four-year degrees at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship

The Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program was established by Tench and Simone Coxe in honor of Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF, in partnership with UNCF. The scholarship program is designed to provide scholarship support to deserving students attending one of the 37 UNCF member institutions.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program is annually renewable based on availability of funds and provided students continue to meet the eligibility requirement.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Dr. Mable V. Jones Scholarship

The Dr. Mable V. Jones. Scholarship is a need-based OR merit-based scholarship for incoming freshmen who are enrolling at any accredited UNCF Member Institution or other accredited four-year HBCU.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

NEESA Last Dollar Grant

NEESA Last Dollar Grants are designed to provide need-based, last-dollar gap scholarships for graduating high school seniors facing barriers to college enrollment. Students may receive up to $1,000.00 for their freshman year attendance.

Shumaker, Nathan Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a student from Noble County in the second or subsequent year of college (post high-school) education who received some or all of K-12 schooling through home school or a Christian School.

Purpose of Scholarship

To assist accomplished graduates of the Rochester City School District who are motivated to attend college and need financial support to obtain either an Associates or Bachelors degrees from SUNY schools with the goal of employment and economic self sufficiency.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for the expenses associated with higher education for a student who possesses a spirit and aptitude for understanding and appreciating the free enterprise system that allows private philanthropy to exist.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating Rochester City School District senior who plans to study science, technology, engineering, or math at Monroe Community College.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to a current, full-time, sophomore or junior female student at St. John Fisher University continuing her education.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for educational expenses at St. John Fisher University.

The selection process is coordinated through St. John Fisher University. A committee at the college reviews applications, selects the recipient(s), and informs the Community Foundation.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarships for optometry students in an accredited College of Optometry who demonstrate financial need and a sincere desire to practice optometry in Upstate New York after graduation, preferably in the counties of Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, and/or Wayne.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses for optometry school.

Preference is given to applicants who want to return to Upstate New York after graduation and work in areas served by the Rochester Optometric Society. 

The Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts supports arts nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, encouraging them to envision significant growth in the local arts scene. This fund offers over $60,000 annually for various projects, including programming and capital expenditures. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt public charities with 501(c)(3) status, located in the area. Schools are not eligible for funding, while religious organizations may apply if their projects benefit the community.