Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets offers Trade Show Assistance Grants to support local agricultural and forestry businesses. These grants provide funding to exhibit at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers, helping to cover expenses between $2,000 and $7,500 for shows from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Eligible businesses must be registered, have three or more wholesale accounts, and meet specific criteria to qualify for this valuable opportunity.

Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship

The Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in Jerry’s honor, to partner with Whitley County young people whom Jerry cared deeply about. Jerry served on The Center’s Board of Directors for more than 6 years, and was a passionate volunteer, donor, and advocate for helping young people find hope and equipping them to thrive in life.

This scholarship is available to any person that has have been an active After-School SERVE participant for 2 or more semesters and will be attending any post-secondary schooling.

This Scholarship is due March 1st of each year.

The Gil Crain Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Accounting or Business. To qualify, applicants must be juniors or above and enrolled in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship or pursuing a Master of Professional Accountancy degree. This scholarship aims to assist those dedicated to advancing their education in these fields, fostering their potential to transform lives and communities through higher education.

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.

Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship

Margaret L. Palmer was born in Newberry, Michigan. She received her teaching certificate in 1927 from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. In 1956, Miss Palmer moved to Saginaw to teach first grade at North Elementary School. Retiring in 1974 after 46 years of service, Miss Palmer’s teaching made a difference in the lives of countless young people.

William H. Palmer established this scholarship in honor of his sister. “Education was so important to her,” remembered Bill, “I can still recall the opening days of school. Her enthusiasm was just bubbling. You couldn’t help but realize how teaching was more than just a job for her.”

“She influenced so many people. People still come up to me and tell me how Margaret made a difference in their lives or in the lives of someone they know. There were no bad youngsters as far as she was concerned. Good teachers like Margaret are necessary to inspire young minds. That’s why the Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship is designated for those interested in elementary education.”

The Arkansas Historic Marker Program Grants, initiated by the Division of Arkansas Heritage in 2017, aim to preserve and promote Arkansas's cultural and historic resources. By commemorating significant people, places, and events, the program fosters community engagement and educates the public about local history. Markers serve as lasting tributes to Arkansas's heritage, with a focus on both statewide and local histories, ensuring that the state's rich narrative is acknowledged and celebrated.

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.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Saginaw Alumni Scholarship

Kappa Alpha Psi, an international college fraternity, was founded in 1911 and has more than 600 functioning undergraduate and alumni chapters. The motto of the fraternity is “achievement in every field of human endeavor.” Fashioning achievement as its purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi continues to unite college men of patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity.

The Kappa Instructional Leadership League is a male youth group consisting of area high school students. The youth group is sponsored by the Saginaw Alumni Chapter in accordance with the fraternity’s National Guide Right Program.

The Saginaw Alumni Chapter has established a scholarship program in recognition and memory of the following men who were devoted and dedicated members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Lee Arthur, Sr., John Gibson Jr., Dr. Vernal Cambridge and George Carter, Sr.

The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation offers Innovation Grants ranging from $10K to $25K to support creative projects that address generational poverty. Eligible organizations must have 501c3 status and operate in the Greater Memphis area. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions that target under-resourced communities and encourages partnerships with nonprofits. The grants aim to empower organizations making a significant impact through original initiatives, aligning with the Foundation's Building Strong Families strategy.

The Gilbert Giebink Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Agricultural Business or Applied Economics with a focus on commercial agriculture. This scholarship is available to undergraduate seniors and entering graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. With a commitment to educational access and community transformation, MSU offers this opportunity to empower future leaders in agriculture.

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.

Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship

Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.

Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”

The David Whitehouse Research Residency for Artists provides artists with the opportunity to engage with the Museum’s resources, including its extensive glass collections and the Rakow Research Library. Named after former executive director David Whitehouse, this residency supports the exploration of glass-related topics, offering transportation, room, and board. Residencies last from one to three weeks, and recipients are invited to present their research in a public lecture, fostering community engagement and artistic dialogue.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students attending Radford University Carilion.

About the Foundation

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

The ScholarshipThis scholarship is provided by the Washington County Maryland School Nutrition Association and is open to graduating high school seniors in Washington County, MD. Applicants must be planning to pursue a degree or certification in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Dietetics, Hospitality Management, or a related field. 

The Toraji & Toki Yoshinaga Scholarship Fund, established in 1996 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports students attending BYU-Hawaii, Chaminade University, or Hawaii Pacific University. Award amounts vary, typically averaging around $6,000, based on financial need and academic standing. Applicants must be residents of Hawai‘i and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria.

The Weil Foundation provides grants to advance integrative medicine through education, research, and policy reform. Primarily aimed at non-profit healthcare organizations and medical schools, these grants support the development of educational programs in integrative medicine. Each grant is awarded for one year, with the possibility for recipients to apply for additional funding in subsequent years. The Foundation emphasizes cooperation, respect for grant-seekers, and transparency in its operations.

The University of Redlands Hawai'i Scholarship, established in 1997 by the University of Redlands and its Hawai'i Alumni Club, aims to support Hawai'i residents attending the university. This scholarship fosters connections between the islands and the institution, with awards varying from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, averaging around $6,000. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, promoting academic success and community engagement.

The Glacier Restaurant Group Culinary Arts Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. MSU, established in 1893, offers a transformative educational experience through various departmental scholarships aimed at enhancing workforce development in culinary arts. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters the growth of future culinary professionals, contributing to the culinary landscape in Montana and beyond.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

Since 1969, the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (NCCF) has been privileged to serve as the financial steward of the more than 300 philanthropic funds entrusted to us by our generous and devoted community of Northwest CT donors and fundholders.

Our goal has always been to nurture and enhance the value of these philanthropic assets over the long term—as markets allow from year-to-year—by seeking the highest possible inflation-adjusted returns directed by an asset-allocation policy that is overseen by our Board of Directors and operating at all times within a prudent level of risk as determined by the ongoing vigilance of our Investment Committee, which reports to the Board.

Russel Anderson, Carmen Brooks Anderson, and Henry Vail Brooks Scholarship

The Russel Anderson, Carmen Brooks Anderson, and Henry Vail Brooks Scholarship is a scholarship grant for Torrington High School graduating seniors and first-year college students who received this scholarship as a high school senior.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants focus on enhancing access to reliable information, ensuring community members can participate in decision-making that impacts their lives. Established in 1945, the Foundation prioritizes grantmaking initiatives that support civic engagement, challenge systemic injustice, and promote equitable access to opportunities. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the Foundation aims to empower communities through education, dialogue, and fact-based media to foster systemic change.

Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship

The Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 to celebrate the life of Brandon Wade Minier. He was a young man of extraordinary talent and personality, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on April 26, 2009.

Brandon’s future was full of promise and success due in great part to his training as a journeyman electrician and his position as an apprentice instructor with the joint apprenticeship and training committee of Local Union #305 IBEW and the Fort Wayne Division, Central Indiana, Chapter NECA (referred to in short as the Fort Wayne Electrical JATC).

This scholarship may be used towards tuition, books, supplies, or any other school related expense in relation to the awarded individuals educational needs.

This scholarship is available to an individual from Whitley County, who is continuing their education in a trade and vocational school, such as but not limited to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, beauty, and culinary arts school.

The Gilhousen Chair in Telecommunications Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Established to promote academic excellence, this scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to providing transformative education. Eligible applicants must be participants in the Undergraduate Scholars Program. This initiative aligns with MSU's mission to enhance educational opportunities and foster innovation in telecommunications, ultimately benefiting both students and the community.

The PCHF Capacity Building Mini-Grant Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations in the greater Phoenixville region. This program offers grants of up to $2,500 per year for training and educational initiatives that enhance governance, accountability, and sustainability. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that operate within specific geographical boundaries and meet certain requirements, including a budget of less than $3 million and current or recent grant activity.

The Watanabe "Go For It" Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Hawaii with financial need who have a GPA of at least 2.0 and attend a community college in the state. Scholarships range from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, with an average award of approximately $6,000. Priority is given to returning recipients, first-generation students, and those with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

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: Solomon Valley Community Foundation: Tom Lynch Educational Scholarship

Amount:

Varies.

Renewals:

Recipients can apply as part of total applicant pool for second year, consecutively. Scholarship can only be received for two years.

The Historic Preservation Restoration Grant, provided by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, supports the restoration of properties listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places and cemeteries on the National Register. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, requiring a cash match for funding. The program emphasizes maintaining historical integrity and promotes community engagement through revitalization efforts, ensuring that Arkansas's cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

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: Pauline & Richard A. Cook Family Scholarship

Amount

Varies

Geographic limitations

North Central Kansas resident

Renewals

This award is not renewable.

Championing Philanthropy- for the lasting good of whitley county

Whether you are a long-time resident, a recent transfer, or someone brought up here years ago, we think you’ll agree Whitley County is a great place to call home. At the Community Foundation, we believe it can be even better. That’s why each day we work to find ways to improve our little corner of Indiana. It might mean creating a program to meet health needs, or making a grant to fund important community projects. Other times our work involves partnering with donors and tailoring options to help them meet their charitable goals.

Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship

Starting in 2026 applicants will be able to apply for the award with another person. If chosen, the award amount will be split between the recipients. To apply with another person, each person needs to fill out an application. The scholarship will allow individuals to hone their leadership skills and build courage by participating in a NOLS wilderness course.

Offering powerful and authentic experiences, NOLS courses are immersive expeditions in remote, wild places with a tight-knit community of students and instructors. NOLS offers a robust number of courses throughout the year. The duration of the courses varies.

Applications will provide information on which courses the scholarship is capable of funding that year. The Community Foundation of Whitley County, Inc. is honored to hold and administer the Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship. The fund is open to receive tax-deductible gifts in Eli’s memory. 

The GTRCF Youth Endowment Grant offers $105,000 in funding for youth programs across five counties in Michigan. Organizations can request up to $5,000 per county to support projects that respond to local youth needs. The grant prioritizes innovative initiatives that build developmental opportunities and demonstrate community support. Applications are evaluated by local Youth Advisory Councils, ensuring youth voices play a critical role in the decision-making process.