Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to all majors, with priority given to students majoring in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Education.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund honors long-time citizens of Redding, Lou and Diane Gerard, who made Northern California their home since 1959. Both were compassionate former teachers with a devotion to community service. They were members of numerous nonprofit boards and organizations over their lifetimes, including a combined 89 years on Redding area school boards. With unwavering dedication, Lou and Diane Gerard were committed to the advancement of educational opportunities for all.

This endowed fund provides scholarship opportunities for those seeking to further their education. 

The Maine Artist Fellowship for Traditional Arts honors exceptional Maine artists committed to preserving traditional art forms. This merit-based award supports artists by providing unrestricted funds, promotional opportunities, and networking events throughout the year. Selected fellows will showcase their work on the Maine Arts Commission website and participate in a reception with staff and commissioners. This fellowship aims to recognize and sustain vital cultural practices among Maine's artistic communities.

The Maine Artist Fellowship in Visual Arts honors exceptional talent among Maine artists, providing unrestricted awards to advance their careers. Selected artists will receive year-long promotion, inclusion in digital publications, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. This merit-based fellowship is open to individual artists or collectives, with specific eligibility criteria, including residency requirements and age restrictions. The fellowship culminates in a reception with Maine Arts Staff, fostering community and artistic growth.

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program, part of the One Million Trees Initiative, is a recognized program aimed at enhancing community and environmental health. Collaborating with Trees Forever, this initiative supports communities in Iowa and Wisconsin to plant trees, fostering energy efficiency and stewardship. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for purchasing local landscape-sized trees. The program helps ensure a greener future by engaging citizens in tree planting efforts, thereby improving local ecosystems and community vitality.

Robert H. Leeser Scholarship

Amount:

• Varies

Preference given to Marion County, Missouri, residents enrolling in a technical or semi-technical field, in courses or programs related to the trucking industry.

The Berks County Veterans Treatment Court Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides essential financial support to participants in the Veterans Court. This fund covers expenses not addressed by other resources, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need. The program brings together a collaborative team, including judges, attorneys, and treatment providers, to support veterans in their recovery and reintegration into the community.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Merit Scholarship Award

United Scholarships, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to deserving students of the Yreka Union High School District.

Through wise investments and sound stewardship, United Scholarships, Inc. is committed to making available to graduates of Yreka Union High School District for many future years the monetary awards they will need to be successful at college. 

United Scholarships, Inc. partners with the Community Foundation to offer applications for the Keefer Scholarship Award and Merit Scholarship Award.

Incyte Corporation offers an Independent Medical Education Grant to support innovative educational initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. This funding is available to organizations committed to delivering evidence-based education to healthcare professionals. Eligible activities may include live symposia, grand rounds, fellowships, and web-based programs. Organizations must enter into a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding. Note that new request submissions will be temporarily unavailable from November 21, 2025, to January 2026.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

Adult Education Scholarship

Amount:

• Varies

Awarded to a GED graduate who has completed his/her GED requirements over the previous 12 months through the John Wood Community College Adult Education Program. The course taken must be a college credit course. The student receiving this award must exhibit dedication to education, helpfulness with other students, and a desire to continue his/her education at John Wood Community College. This scholarship is awarded at GED Graduation in the spring; final selection is made by the Adult Education faculty and staff.

The Maine Artist Fellowship in Literary Arts recognizes the exceptional talent of Maine artists across various writing genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This merit-based fellowship offers unrestricted funding to help artists advance their careers. Selected fellows gain visibility through Maine Arts Commission publications and year-long promotional support, culminating in a Fellowship Reception. Eligibility includes being a Maine resident, at least 25 years old, and not currently enrolled in school. This opportunity fosters community and collaboration among artists.

The Maine Artist Fellowship in Performing Arts celebrates artistic excellence among Maine artists. It offers merit-based awards to individuals or collectives, focusing on creativity and vision. The fellowship provides unrestricted financial support, promotional opportunities, and networking events to advance the artist's career. Eligible artists include those in theatre, dance, music, and other live performance genres. One artist per discipline will be selected, fostering a diverse cohort of seven Maine Artist Fellows.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Reach Higher Scholarship Fund

From their freshman to senior year, the Reach Higher Scholarship Fund, offers $250 that may be renewed by the awarded student for a total scholarship of up to $1,000 at the end of four years. This scholarship aims to reward and motivate students EARLY in their high school careers and build a sense of hope for the pursuit of higher education. Annually, ten high school freshmen will be awarded $250 – funds will be held for final scholarship distribution when the awarded student successfully enrolls in a university. The mission of the Reach Higher Scholarship Fund is to make a difference in the community, as well as in individual students’ lives, by focusing upon Shasta County students who are statistically unlikely to pursue a university education; ultimately increasing the percentage of our local high school graduates who pursue a university education. 

If selected, you will receive your scholarship award when you are enrolled at a four-year college or university.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Redding Sunrise Rotary Scholarship

Redding Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to support students and programs in the Gateway Unified School District. The Club is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Gateway Unified School District.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Coopersville Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund opened in 2000 and was formerly a student loan program. It now offers scholarship opportunities to students who wish to continue their education beyond high school.

The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation General Grant supports basketball-inspired programs that benefit children and youth in Arizona. Established in 1988, the foundation annually distributes over $3 million to local communities, impacting over 400,000 children. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) for at least three years and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a preference for smaller requests. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing community needs and access for underserved populations.

The Strengthening & Sustaining Mobile Healthcare Grant Program, offered by the Mobile Healthcare Association, aims to enhance emergency preparedness for mobile health clinics. This annual grant supports activities such as developing action plans, training staff, and ensuring operational readiness for crises like hurricanes and floods. By facilitating these initiatives, the program works to reduce health disparities and promote equitable access to quality healthcare for all communities.

The David C. DuBois Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, supports students pursuing maritime studies, including fields like marine engineering and marine safety. This scholarship honors David DuBois's legacy and commitment to the maritime industry. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and adults returning to education for a degree or certificate in relevant maritime disciplines. The foundation has contributed over $50 million to various community needs since 1995, reflecting its dedication to philanthropy.

The Christine Saulnier Pimental Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers annual scholarships to local adults aiming to enhance their professional skills through further education. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and adults returning to school in fields such as life sciences, computer sciences, and veterinary sciences. This initiative supports the Foundation's commitment to improving community life by investing in the education and growth of individuals in the region.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Dr. Harve E. & Joyce E. Rawson Endowment

Be enrolled at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. Contact Franklin College admission office.

The Annetta Carter Memorial Fund Grants support botanical research on the green plants of Baja California. Open to members of the California Botanical Society, proposals can include studies outside Baja that address relevant issues. The funding may cover research, travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with a budget limit of $1,000. Preference is given to applicants who secure necessary permits, especially foreign scientists collaborating with local experts. There is no fixed deadline for submissions.

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) offers educational grants aimed at enhancing the floriculture industry through innovative programs. With over $3 million funded since its inception, AFE supports initiatives targeting young people and addressing industry challenges. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 annually, encouraging multi-year projects that benefit broad geographical areas. Eligible applicants include community organizations focused on floriculture education within the U.S. AFE prioritizes programs with national scope and significant educational impact.

The Wichita Wagonmasters Fund, established in 2012, enhances the quality of life in Wichita by supporting various projects through grants ranging from $250 to $1,000. This fund prioritizes initiatives that serve the community, avoid service duplication, and demonstrate measurable results. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, showcasing fiscal responsibility and sustainability. The fund encourages creative solutions to community challenges, promoting collaboration among local organizations for a better Wichita.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Mildred Dresselhaus Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomaterials

The Dresselhaus Prize recognizes an outstanding scientist in the areas of nanoscience or nanomaterials. The prize is conferred annually and includes a $10,000 stipend, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and a reimbursement of up to $2,000 for travel to an APS meeting to receive the honor and deliver an invited talk.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Creative Learning Grants for Schools in Illinois, administered by the Illinois Arts Council, aim to enhance arts education in K-12 public and charter schools. Schools can apply for grants up to $20,000 to obtain essential materials and services from local artists or organizations. This initiative fosters a vibrant arts culture while addressing student needs for creative learning opportunities, ensuring access to quality arts education across the state.