Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Swan Foundation offers short-term research fellowships for scholars interested in Revolutionary-Era Material Culture (1750-1820). Hosted by the Swan Historical Foundation and the American Philosophical Society, this fellowship supports one month of research in their extensive collections. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. holders and candidates. A stipend of $3,000 is provided, with opportunities for additional funding for travel to the Swan Foundation. Fellowships can start from June 1, 2025, and must be completed by May 31, 2026.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Herbert A. and Charles E. Kester Scholarship Fund

The Herbert A & Charles E Kester Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation by Kevin & Tracy Walsh to honor the memory of their dear friend Charles Kester & his father Herbert by providing funds for students who will be attending The University of Pittsburgh & will be pursing a degree or studies in Education. Both Herbert & Charles strongly believed in giving back & helping others when they could, this scholarship continues their legacy.

Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years). Recipients must maintain enrollment and major requirements.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Heather Clair Miller Salisbury State University Fund

The Heather Clair Miller Salisbury State University Fund scholarship was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide four-year, renewable scholarships to at least two students who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity, who are attending Salisbury University, and who meet minimum entrance requirements.

Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation). 

The American Philosophical Society offers the David Center for the American Revolution Research Fellowships for International Scholars, aimed at supporting foreign scholars researching the American Revolution and Founding Era. With a competitive stipend of $5,000, fellows can access APS resources and archives in the U.S. Fellowships begin on June 1, 2026, and conclude by May 31, 2027, allowing flexibility for travel arrangements amid ongoing global conditions.

The A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional service and mentorship in anatomical sciences. With a funding of $2,000 towards travel to the AAA Annual Meeting, this award aims to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the association and the discipline. Nominations must include a nomination form, a letter of recommendation, and the nominee's CV.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Robert L. Vann Scholarship Fund

The Robert L. Vann Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarship aid to worthy and needy students for education beyond the high school level.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Renewable award.

The Henry Gray Scientific Achievement Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, honors outstanding contributions to anatomical sciences by AAA members. Nominees must be full-time or emeritus faculty at accredited institutions and active AAA members. The award includes a $2,000 funding for travel to the AAA Annual Meeting. Nominations require a completed form, a letter of recommendation, and representative papers, ensuring a thorough review by the Nominating Committee.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

American Association of University Women / Wagy Fund (AAUW)

The Kansas City, Missouri, Branch of the American Association of University Women promotes education and scholarships for women. The mission of the Wagy Fund is to further the mission of AAUW and to honor Irene Wagy.

Grant Focus: Organizations that promote societal change through programs benefiting women and girls in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund

The Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Johnstown/Altoona area to assist in furthering their educational pursuits.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

St. Louis City Senior Fund

The St. Louis City Senior Fund envisions the City of St. Louis as an aging-friendly community where older residents can thrive in environments that best support their well-being.

Direct Services Grants

Purpose of this RFP

The City of St. Louis Senior Citizens’ Services Fund (St. Louis City Senior Fund) is seeking proposals from non-profit organizations or government entities for one-year grants.

Applicants must provide programs or services for older adults in the City of St. Louis that fall under one of two focus areas for this funding round:

• Caregiving Support OR
• Case Management & Resource Navigation

We will prioritize support for:

• Organizations who have a history, commitment, and established local presence for serving older adults living in the City of St. Louis;
• Programs and services that are evidence or experience-based and adapt to and reflect the people they seek to serve;
• Programs and services that have limited availability and could expand their reach with grant funding or are threatened due to changes in funding; and/or
• Programs and services focused on serving residents that have limited to no access to similar existing services due to financial, language, mobility, or other barriers.

The Dr. Mark K. Setter Leadership in Periodontology and Dental Implantology Award honors the legacy of Dr. Mark Setter, a distinguished figure in periodontology. Established by the AAP Foundation, this annual $10,000 award recognizes a full-time periodontal resident who exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities in promoting periodontology and dental implantology. The recipient is selected based on their impact on peers and the community, underscoring the importance of mentorship and the advancement of the field.

The Charles W. Finley Visiting Scholar Education Grants, established by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, honor Dr. Finley's legacy by providing $2,000 grants to accredited U.S. periodontal programs. These funds support honoraria, travel, and seminars featuring prominent speakers in periodontology, requiring matching funds from the institutions. The grant also mandates a formal presentation to the entire dental school, fostering educational opportunities for students and faculty alike.

The Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, offers a $10,000 scholarship to outstanding third-year students enrolled in accredited U.S. periodontal graduate programs. Selection is based on academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership, and community involvement. Finalists must present their application research at the AAP Annual Meeting. This prestigious award aims to encourage excellence in periodontics through support and recognition of dedicated students.

The AAP Teaching Fellowships, funded by a $1 million commitment from the American Academy of Periodontology, aim to support early-career periodontal educators by providing $25,000 in debt relief. These fellowships are available to qualified faculty within their first three years of full-time teaching at U.S. periodontal training institutions. Each Teaching Fellow receives $5,000 annually for five years, contingent upon continued teaching. Interviews for finalists will occur during the AAP Annual Meeting at their own expense.

The Dr. Colin Richman and Family Perio.-Ortho. Interface Award fosters innovative research at the intersection of orthodontics and periodontology, addressing critical issues such as alveolar bone deficiencies and airway management. Annually, $20,000-$40,000 will be awarded to support clinical or basic science research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes through collaborative treatments. This grant aims to complement existing institutional support rather than replace it, ensuring that groundbreaking research in this field continues to thrive.

The Patty & Paul Levi Research Award, administered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $5,000 grant to support research in periodontics. This award is specifically for predoctoral dental students who have a mentor from a periodontal faculty. Applications may be submitted after graduation if the research was conducted during their predoctoral studies, but immediate family of board members are ineligible.

The Robert S. Schoor Research Award Program, supported by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, offers a $2,000 annual award for resident-written manuscripts in periodontology. It encourages significant research topics related to clinical practice, honoring Robert S. Schoor, DDS, a leader in periodontal education. Full-time residents in accredited US periodontal programs are eligible to apply, with co-applications accepted under certain conditions. Manuscripts should be suitable for submission to the Journal of Periodontology.

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award, funded by the American Academy of Periodontology, honors outstanding research in periodontal regeneration. With a $10,000 scholarship, it is open to second- and third-year residents or recent graduates in accredited periodontal programs who have contributed original research. Applicants must be AAP members and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming to advance clinical therapies in periodontics. This award commemorates Dr. Jo Rummelhart's legacy and the impact of her work in the field.

The $20,000 Nevins Teaching and Clinical Research Fellowship, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology, aims to support emerging periodontal educators facing educational debt. This fellowship is awarded over two years, providing $10,000 annually to assist with income alongside full-time academic teaching roles. Eligible candidates include board-certified periodontal educators with one to five years of teaching experience in U.S. programs, selected through a competitive application and interview process.

The Bennie & Martha Benjamin Foundation offers a Medical/Health Equipment Grant aimed at supporting hospitals, public health clinics, and non-profit service providers in the Virgin Islands. Established in 1991, the Foundation seeks to fulfill unmet health equipment needs through grants. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial solvency and provide a history of successful health service delivery. The Foundation encourages partnerships with NGOs and aims to improve health care services in the Territory.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Sylvan Area Fund

Sylvan Area Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund that supports USD 299 and the economic growth and development within the boundaries of USD 299.

The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money for the charitable use to address the present and future needs this geographic area. From this endowed fund, the advisory committee annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The applications are open to a variety of issues. All individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within the geographic area served by USD 299.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

Quick Support for Artists

Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. All arts disciplines are accepted, and artists at any stage of their career may apply.

The SMAC Artist Growth Grants support artists at any career stage in the SW MN region, promoting artistic development and audience expansion. Grants of up to $4,000 cover costs such as supplies, mentorship, workshops, and studio rentals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of the area, at least 18 years old, and may have only one pending application at a time. Ineligible projects include those lacking an art focus or tied to for-profit activities.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers Continuing Education Grants aimed at enhancing the skills of library staff in Idaho. These grants, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, support various educational activities including First-time Conference Attendance, Library Science Courses, Leadership Development, and Group Training. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at least 30 days before their event. This initiative helps libraries better serve their communities.

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.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers the E-Rate & Broadband Grant Program, which helps public libraries cover internet service costs. Libraries can receive significant discounts on eligible services through the E-rate program, with state reimbursements available for the remaining costs. Timely submission of invoices is crucial for eligibility. This funding opportunity is vital for enhancing digital access in Idaho's libraries, ensuring they can provide essential online resources to their communities.

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.