Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Coleman Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District. 

Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Cooper, Jerre Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in education. Scholarships are awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

The Ethel Frends Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to support canine care and education in California's counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego. It encourages organizations to apply for general operating support and considers small capital expenses. Grants are available for one year, focusing on established organizations rather than start-ups. This funding opportunity is essential for promoting animal welfare and enhancing community programs related to canine care.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The William H. Young and Dorothy Young Mixer Field of Interest Fund, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the natural beauty of the Grand Haven area. Grants support projects focused on improving public natural settings and facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County and greater West Michigan, provided they address the foundation’s sustainability priorities.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Cornett, Jim Scholarship

This fund was established in recognition of Dr. Cornett’s dedication to Hillyard Technical Center and his life-long contribution to education. The fund provides academic scholarships to Hillyard Technical Center students.

The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.

The Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (BioG) offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to engage in collaborative research in biodiversity genomics. The fellowship supports projects involving phylogenomics, population genomics, and bioinformatics analysis, with a stipend of $62,000 per year. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of their Ph.D. and propose to conduct research at Smithsonian facilities for 12 to 24 months, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Euler, Earl E and Elmyra J Leininger Memorial Scholarship

For any Central High School senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Knepper, Betty Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Betty Knepper by her son, Dr. Paul A. Knepper to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in the medical field.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McGlothlan, Arthur and Anna Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to young men and women attending accredited colleges, universities or graduate schools operated or formed under the auspices of or closely related to some established church.

The MAC Underserved Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance access to quality arts programming across all 82 counties in Mississippi. By identifying underserved areas that lack recent grants or services, the Mississippi Arts Commission facilitates outreach and support for local arts initiatives. This program not only promotes cultural engagement but also fosters community development and collaboration among various organizations, ensuring that all citizens can participate in diverse artistic experiences.

The McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship, established by Bill McLaughlin in memory of his parents, supports graduating seniors from the St. Joseph School District pursuing degrees in Education. This fund aids students with a commitment to teaching, weighing financial need alongside academic ability. Managed by the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, the scholarship aims to empower future educators and strengthen the community through dedicated teaching professionals.

The Meyer Foundation's Restoration Fund aims to empower historically under-resourced communities in the Greater Washington, D.C. area by addressing systemic racial and economic inequities. The Sabbatical Grant Program offers four to eight weeks of restorative leave for eligible staff, ensuring they can continue their vital work in social justice. This initiative supports grassroots organizations, promotes well-being, and strengthens community leadership, with funding available for sabbatical activities and interim staffing needs.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

Paul, Thomas M Memorial Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to men and women pursuing higher education in attendance at the St. Joseph Junior College (Now Missouri Western State University) or other institutions of higher learning.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama, established in 1999, supports charitable initiatives that benefit the West Alabama community. As a private non-profit organization, it aims to fund various projects while adhering to specific eligibility criteria. Grants are not available for individuals, political purposes, or regular operating expenses, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community enhancements. This foundation prioritizes innovative projects that address pressing local needs and foster educational growth.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History offers $3000 short-term research fellowships for doctoral candidates, faculty, and independent scholars in American history. Founded in 1994, this nonprofit enhances history education through diverse programs in all 50 states, providing access to over 60,000 historical documents. The fellowships support research at New York City archives, fostering scholarship and recognition by esteemed organizations, ultimately benefiting thousands of teachers and millions of students.

The Sgt. David J. Smith Veterans Relief Fund provides financial assistance to veterans and their families in Frederick County, Maryland, who are facing unexpected financial challenges. Nonprofit organizations can apply on behalf of eligible households, ensuring that only those with honorable military discharges benefit. Support is limited to once every 12 months per veteran, and applications are accepted as long as funding is available, making this a critical resource for local veterans in need.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund Recreation Grants, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, support outdoor recreation projects through matching grants to state, tribal, and local entities. Since 1964, over 800 projects have been funded, enhancing public parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and state agencies, while a 50% non-federal match is required. The program fosters community engagement in outdoor activities and conservation efforts.

U.S. Writers Aid Initiative

PEN America is an organization of writers and their allies, and that solidarity is never more important than when members of our literary community face crises. PEN America’s U.S. Writers Aid Initiative, part of the PEN America Writers Emergency Fund, offers grants for writers in the United States facing acute financial need following an emergency situation.

The U.S. Writers Aid Initiative is intended to assist fiction and nonfiction authors, poets, playwrights, translators, and journalists in addressing short-term financial emergencies. To be eligible, applicants must be professional writers based in the United States, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping address a short-term emergency situation. The fund is limited, and not every application can be supported.

Grant decisions are made on a quarterly basis by a volunteer committee of literary peers in consultation with PEN America staff, using the following guidelines to evaluate professional credentials:

• Publication of one or more books. (Writers who are only self-published or published by a press that charges for publication are not eligible.)
• Multiple essays, short stories, or poems appearing in literary anthologies or literary journals (either online or in print) in the last two years.
• A full-length play, performed in a theater by a professional theater company. Productions in academic settings qualify if the author is not a student at the time of the production.
• Employment as a full-time professional journalist, columnist, or critic, or a record of consistent publication on a freelance basis in a range of outlets during the last two years.
• Contracted forthcoming books, essays, short stories, poems, or articles for which the name of the publisher can be provided.
• Other qualifications that support the applicant’s professional identity as a writer.

The ACCF Women's Fund Grants aim to empower women through competitive funding for 501(c)(3) organizations. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, support projects that enhance economic independence, leadership, and skills development. Eligible organizations can apply for funding for program development, equipment, and capital campaigns. First-time applicants must interview with Foundation staff prior to submission, while repeat applicants can choose to do so. Grants are designed to create a community-wide benefit for women.

The Molina Fellowship in the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, offered by The Huntington Library, is designed for scholars pursuing advanced research in history, literature, art, and the history of science. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have successfully defended their dissertation by the application deadline. The fellowship supports innovative studies that explore the impact of medicine on society and culture, leveraging The Huntington's extensive collections related to the American West.

The Dibner Program in the History of Science offers long-term fellowships at The Huntington, a prestigious research institution. Scholars in history, literature, and the history of science can apply for nine to twelve months of support. Recipients are expected to engage with the intellectual community, attend symposiums, and contribute to working groups. This program aims to foster advanced research in fields that align with The Huntington's diverse collections, enhancing scholarly discourse and discovery.

The Ashland County Community Foundation offers IMPACT Youth Grants aimed at enhancing the lives of children and teens in Ashland County. These competitive grants support nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status for various initiatives, including project grants, program development, and capital campaigns. However, funding is not available for individual grants, operating expenses, or religious purposes. This program empowers local organizations to create impactful projects for the youth community.

The Fred and Alice Wallace Charitable Grant supports local non-profit organizations addressing healthcare and educational needs in the Miami Valley, Ohio. There are no strict submission deadlines for proposals, which are reviewed quarterly. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). Grants should not exceed 10% of the project's budget, allowing for impactful assistance to those served by these charities.

The Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, supports students with familial ties to the sea or descendants of seamen. This scholarship aims to promote education in maritime-related fields. Eligible applicants must reside in specific SouthCoast communities or plan to pursue maritime sciences. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $50 million to enhance the region's educational, humanitarian, and cultural landscape.